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'''DotFree Group''' is a start-up company based in the Czech Republic, it provides free domain names and it is engaged in offering domain name software, domain name registry and consultancy services. DotFree Group was established in 2009 and [[Dominique Alexander Piatti]] is the company's CEO. The company claims that there are more than 600,000 free domain names in its portfolio and it is processing more than 15 million [[DNS]] requests per day.<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/company/dotfree-group-s.r.o. dotFree Group s.r.o. Linkedin Profile]</ref>

'''DotFree Group''' is a start-up company based in the Czech Republic, it provides free domain names and it is engaged in offering domain name software, domain name registry and consultancy services. DotFree Group was established in 2009 and [[Dominique Alexander Piatti]] is the company's CEO. The company claims that there are more than 600,000 free domain names in its portfolio and it is processing more than 15 million [[DNS]] requests per day.<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/company/dotfree-group-s.r.o. dotFree Group s.r.o. Linkedin Profile]</ref>

In an e-mail interview conducted by [[Kevin Murphy]] of [[DomainIncite]], Dominique Alexander Piatti, CEO of DotFree Group confirmed that the company will apply for the .free TLD with ICANN and an individual can register one domain name for free and if the registrant wants to register more domain names, he or she needs to upgrade his/her status to VIP to be able to register as much as 20 domain names. The registration fee for every domain name will be $5 per year. <ref>

[http://domainincite.com/dotfree-wants-to-give-away-free-domains/ DotFree wants to give away .free domains]</ref> <ref name=" DotFree Interview">[http://domainincite.com/dotfrees-free-domain-names-explained/  dotFree’s “free” domain names explained]</ref>

''DotFree Group originally announced itself as an applicant for [[.free]], however it did not apply through any entity clearly associated with itself'''.

 

Piatti also revealed that the company's .free project is supported by venture capitalist from Europe and was able to raise EUR 1.25 million funds in 2011. He also added that his company is also generating substantial revenue from is www.cz.cc and Domain Registrar Script projects. <ref name="DotFree Interview"/> One of the investors is [[John Barta]], founder of the domain investment and generation company called Elephant Orchestra.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/domainer-jan-barta-invests-in-dotfree/ Domainer Jan Barta invests in dotFree]</ref>

 

Furthermore, Piatti confirmed that DotFree Group plans to sell around 200,000 premiums domains which will cost $5 each. The company also plans to sell domain names directly and through ICANN accredited registrars.<ref name="DotFree Interview"/>

==Pre-Registration==

==Pre-Registration==

Dot Free Group launched its pre- registration for .free domain names on its website on November 2010. Kevin Murphy reported that any domain name ending in number 4 is not allowed and presumed to be considered premium. <ref>[http://domainincite.com/dotfree-starts-taking-free-domain-preregistrations/ DotFree starts taking .free domain preregistrations]</ref> At least 158,000 .free domain names has been pre-registered as of May 2012.<ref>[http://www.dotfree.com/ DotFree Website]</ref>

Dot Free Group launched its pre- registration for .free domain names on its website on November 2010. Kevin Murphy reported that any domain name ending in number 4 is not allowed and presumed to be considered premium. <ref>[http://domainincite.com/dotfree-starts-taking-free-domain-preregistrations/ DotFree starts taking .free domain preregistrations]</ref> At least 158,000 .free domain names has been pre-registered as of May 2012.<ref>[http://www.dotfree.com/ DotFree Website]</ref>