The .co extension was hitherto recognised in the Internet marketplace as an abbreviation for ‘company’. However, with domain names running out of supply, it was decided to change this into a Top Level Domain (TLD). With .co domain names now open for public registration, sellers are flooded with requests for specific names. In fact, several domain registration companies, such as Aussie Web Host are offering premium registration services for these names.
Big corporations have shown great interest in securing brand names on the .Co domain. It is reported that microblogging giant Twitter was one of the first companies to secure a domain name with this extension. It is also been reported that companies such as American Express, Apple, BMW, Coca-Cola, Disney, eBay, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, MTV, Nike, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Toyota, Visa, and Yahoo, among others have all secured .co domain names for one service or the others.