ICANN Begins Accepting New Generic Top-Level Domain Applications | Practical Law

ICANN Begins Accepting New Generic Top-Level Domain Applications | Practical Law

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) began accepting applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) as part of its gTLD expansion program.  Applications are being accepted through April 12, 2012 but applicants must register by March 29, 2012.

ICANN Begins Accepting New Generic Top-Level Domain Applications

Practical Law Legal Update 5-517-2164 (Approx. 3 pages)

ICANN Begins Accepting New Generic Top-Level Domain Applications

by PLC Intellectual Property & Technology
Published on 12 Jan 2012 • International
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) began accepting applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) as part of its gTLD expansion program. Applications are being accepted through April 12, 2012 but applicants must register by March 29, 2012.
On January 12, 2012, the Internet Corporation for the Assignment of Names and Numbers (ICANN) began accepting applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) as part of its gTLD expansion program. A top-level domain (TLD) is the character string immediately to the right of the period in a domain name, for example, ".com." The new program allows qualified applicants to register gTLDs with virtually any combination of letters, such as ".cars" or ".soda."
The application period runs until April 12, 2012, but applicants must register through ICANN's online TLD Applications System by March 29, 2012. It is unclear whether ICANN will offer additional application periods.
Applicants must satisfy various requirements, including:
  • Passing an evaluation process that includes showing their operational, technical and financial ability to run a registry.
  • Paying a $185,000 application fee.
About two weeks after the application period closes, ICANN will post the public portion of all gTLD applications on its website. This posting will start a seven month formal objection period during which third parties may object to applications on designated grounds, including that the gTLD string infringes the existing legal rights of the objector. Objections are to be filed using pre-established dispute resolution procedures.
In addition to monitoring gTLD applications for infringement of their trademark rights, brand owners should also consider:
  • Registering their trademarks in the Trademark Clearinghouse, a planned database of validated trademarks to facilitate brand protection by new gTLD operators.
  • Monitoring gTLD applications and second level domain name registrations for potential infringements.
  • Registering second-level domain names with relevant new gTLDs for business or defensive purposes.
For more information on the new gTLD program, application process and objection procedures, see Article, Generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) Expansion and ICANN's website.