Businesses need to register their .au domain name, or risk a costly battle later on

The first domain name was registered by computer company Symbolics in the US on March 15, 1985. The first Australian domain name was registered nearly a year later on March 5, 1986.

There are an estimated 3.4 million registered domain names in Australia. No wonder it is hard to find a name for a startup!

Over the years there have been tens of thousands of disputes over the registration of domain names. Initially buying a domain name was on a first come first served basis so there were many who registered domain names to sit on them with the intention of making a profit.

One of the biggest changes since 1986 happens tomorrow for Australian businesses with the deadline closing to apply for a domain name ending in .au.

Businesses have been given many months to register their .au