WIPO has outlined ICANN's trade mark rights protection and dispute resolution mechanisms for its new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). (For more information on gTLDs, see Article, Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Expansion.) Before any new gTLDs are approved and become operational, the new gTLD dispute resolution mechanisms are available, including pre-delegation objection procedures described in more detail on the WIPO Arbitration Center portal (see WIPO: Legal Rights Objections under ICANN’s New gTLD Program: Filing a Legal Rights Objection at WIPO). In addition, ICANN has established a range of mechanisms available for use once a new gTLD has been approved and becomes operational. These include a Trademark Clearinghouse (for use with sunrise periods and trade mark claims services), a Uniform Rapid Suspension system and a Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure. The existing Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy will also apply to all new gTLDs.

Source: WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center announcement, Trademark Rights Protection Mechanisms for New gTLDs, 2 February 2012.