On January 12, 2012, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the application window for its New Generic Top Level Domain program. This process allows successful applicants to run their own domain registry (i.e. .brand) and could potentially raise the number of available gTLD domains from its current level to more than 1,000 new options. Here are some key dates that brand owners should be aware of:
April 12, 2012: New gTLD application window closes.
Early May 2012: Public Application Information will be posted to ICANN’s website.
April through November 2012: Application Review, Initial Evaluation, and an Objection Filing period will occur. Brand owners should review the posted applications to monitor for possible infringement. Any dispute resolution proceedings must be based on one of the following four criteria and filed with the specific organization contracted to handle the dispute:
- String Confusion Objections – objector must be a current TLD operator or gTLD applicant in the same round
- Legal Rights Objections – objector must be a legal rights owner whose rights are being infringed
- Limited Public Interest – objections may be filed by any member of the public
- Community Objections – objector must be an established institution clearly defined with a community
October 2012: ICANN expects to release the details and procedures for trademark owners to file their registered marks within the Trademark Clearinghouse.
Early 2013: Timeframe for first new registries to go live.
Corsearch’s Corporate Domain Management Team can assist brand owners with domain registration, searching, monitoring, and management needs throughout the new gTLD launch. You can contact us here.
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