How is a new TLD introduced?

What are the new TLDs?

New gTLDs (generic top-level domains) are the extensions that have emerged in recent years alongside the traditional .com, .net and .org. Following the first wave of extensions (such as .info, .biz and .cat), more than a thousand new extensions have been launched since 2013 as a result of ICANN’s major application program launched in 2012. Some of these represent communities (.cat, .bzh), professions (.lawyer, .photography), cities or regions (.berlin, .london), whilst others relate to general topics (.shop, .online, .app).

How does one become a domain extension registry?

Application: the prospective registry submits its application for the extension within the ICANN application round, in which it outlines its technical and financial background and the rules governing the extension.
Evaluation and disputes: ICANN reviews the application. If there are several applicants for the same extension, or if an objection is raised (for example, by a community or a trademark holder), the extension will be allocated through negotiation, an objection procedure or an auction.
Contract and implementation: the successful applicant enters into a contract with ICANN, the extension is added to the root zone, and the registry can begin announcing registration periods.

The stages of getting started

1. Sunrise

The first phase is reserved for trademark holders and lasts for at least 30 days. During this phase, only those whose trademarks have been registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH, the central register of trademarks for new extensions) database and who are applying for a name matching their trademark may register. If more than one holder applies for the same name, the outcome will be decided, for example, by auction, in accordance with the registry’s rules.

2. Restricted or peak periods

Following the Sunrise period, the registry may announce further periods, which vary depending on the domain extension:

Landrush: the period prior to general availability, during which anyone can apply for a domain name, typically at a higher fee. If there are multiple applications for a single domain name, the decision is often made by auction.
Limited Registration Period (LRP): a period reserved for a specific group, such as local residents, professional organisations or community members.
Early Access Program (EAP): generally the first few days of general availability, when anyone can register, but the price is highest on the first day and decreases daily until it reaches the standard level.

3. General contact details

From the start of General Availability, registration is open to anyone who meets the extension criteria, and names are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Some names remain more expensive at this stage: these are premium domain names.

4. Claims period

This period lasts for at least 90 days from the start of general availability. If someone applies for a name that matches a trade mark registered with the TMCH, they will receive a warning prior to registration that the name may infringe the trade mark owner’s rights. If they proceed with registration despite this, the trademark owner will be notified and may, if necessary, initiate a dispute resolution procedure.

What does this mean for you?

If you have a trade mark and a specific domain extension is important to you, it is worth registering your trade mark with the TMCH; this will allow you to be the first to register during the Sunrise period and receive a notification if someone else applies for a name that matches your trade mark.
If you don’t have a trademark, the cheapest option is usually to wait until general availability begins. Landrush and EAP are only worth it if you’re worried that someone else might snap up a sought-after name before you do.
Each extension has its own rules: some are only available to applicants in specific professions or from specific locations, so please check the conditions for the extension before registering.

You can find the domain extensions that are already generally available on the domain registration page. If you would like to register a name using a new extension, please contact our support team to find out at what stage it is available and under what conditions.