SAN DIEGO - Representatives of several San Diego-based institutions and companies said Wednesday they acquired Internet domain names with .xxx attached to protect their trademarks.
ICM Registry, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., began offering .xxx domain names to the public last week. The company said it was an opportunity for adult entertainment firms to move their websites to a safer cyberspace location and help the public avoid inadvertent glimpses of pornography.
The firm first offered institutions and celebrities a chance to register names with the .xxx suffix -- similar to .com or .net -- so they don't become associated with a porn website.
"We worked through the process with ICM to ensure our registered trademark is protected," said David Koontz of SeaWorld San Diego.
When seaworld.xxx is typed into a browser, a black screen appears with the message, "This domain has been reserved from registration." Underneath is a copyright and ICM Registry's name.
Entries for padres.xxx, chargers.xxx and qualcomm.xxx bring the same result.
UC San Diego purchased multiple versions of its name ending with .xxx, said university spokeswoman Christine Clark.
"We're aware of this issue and we have secured some sites," Clark said.
Instead of the ICM Registry screen, ucsd.xxx brings up an error message.
Two Internet names associated with San Diego State University were apparently acquired by individuals, according to Internet site registry records.
The university's normal website is sdsu.edu. The address of sdsu.xxx says the page is parked free for GoDaddy.com, but includes advertising of a sexual nature.
The owner of the sdsu.xxx registration did not return a message for comment.
Sandiegostate.xxx results in an error message.
A university official was checking into the situation and could not immediately comment.
The University of San Diego's website is a generic sandiego.edu. Sandiego.xxx returns an error message.
ICM Registry was reportedly receiving 1 million visits to its buy.xxx website, in which users can search to see if a .xxx address is available and, if so, make a purchase.
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