The .eu top-level domain is finally due to launch this week with the start of the so-called 'Sunrise' period on 7 December during which trademark holders are given first refusal to snap up their domains.

For the first four months of operation those with prior rights within the European Union will be able to register their .eu domain names, preventing speculators from stepping in.

Public bodies and government-held organisations, along with holders of registered trademarks in any of the 25 EU member states, have a priority to register corresponding .eu domain names during a two-month period from 7 December 2005 to 6 February 2006.

"The opening of the .eu domain is a major event in our industry," said Xavier Buck, founder and chief executive at domain registry firm EuroDNS Group.

"We have received overwhelming interest in this new domain, and we are working flat out to prepare for the opening of the .eu doors at 11 am on 7 December."

Timing is crucial for firms registering .eu domains, according to Buck, because the same trademark can be registered in different countries by different organisations.

As the rule of 'first come first served' will be strictly applied by the European Registry of Internet Domain Names, trademark owners should not delay in submitting their applications.

The second phase of the Sunrise period expands this coverage to applications for .eu domain names corresponding to the names of individual companies. Sunrise Phase Two runs from 7 February to 6 April.

After the four-month Sunrise period is over on 7 April applications for .eu domain names are open to all.