New Extensions

The release of new domain extensions is a structured process designed to ensure a fair and orderly allocation of domain names. This process is divided into several distinct phases, each catering to different groups of applicants and serving different purposes:

Sunrise Phase:

This is the initial phase of a domain extension's release. During this period, only trademark owners who have validated their trademarks can apply for a domain name that matches their trademark. The Sunrise phase is specifically designed to protect intellectual property rights, allowing trademark owners to secure domain names that reflect their registered trademarks before the general public can apply. To participate in the Sunrise phase, trademark owners must submit proof of their trademark registration and possibly undergo a validation process.

Landrush Phase:

Following the Sunrise phase, the domain extension enters the Landrush phase. This phase is open to anyone interested in securing a domain name early, but typically at a higher price than during General Availability. The Landrush phase is ideal for those who do not own a trademark but wish to claim a premium or highly desirable domain name before it becomes available to the general public. It's a competitive phase, and if multiple applicants are interested in the same domain name, it may be auctioned to the highest bidder.

Pre-Registration Phase:

During the Pre-Registration phase, individuals and organizations can submit applications for domain names at a standard fee. These applications are collected in preparation for the General Availability phase. Pre-registering does not guarantee you will receive your desired domain name, but it allows your application to be filed immediately once the domain becomes generally available.

General Availability:

This is the final phase in the release process of a new domain extension. During General Availability, domain names are available to the general public on a "first come, first serve" basis. This phase offers the broadest opportunity for individuals and organizations to register a domain name under the new extension. Prices during General Availability are usually set at a standard rate, and domain names are allocated without the priority or premium pricing of earlier phases.

Each phase is designed to cater to different needs, from protecting trademark rights to allowing early access for those willing to pay a premium, and finally, opening up registration to the general public.

General Availability is the final phase in the release of new domain extensions, marking the point at which domain names become available to the general public without any restrictions related to trademarks or early access fees.

Key Features:

• Open Access: Anyone can register a domain name on a "first come, first serve" basis. There are no eligibility requirements based on trademark ownership or participation in earlier phases.
• Standard Pricing: The premium pricing of the Sunrise and Landrush phases is replaced with standard registration fees. However, certain highly sought-after domain names may still command higher prices.
• Immediate Registration: Applications are processed in real-time, and domain names are awarded to the first eligible applicant who completes the registration process.

Process:

Choose a Domain: Select the domain name you wish to register.

Check Availability: Use a participating registrar's website to verify that your chosen domain name is available.

Register: Complete the registration process and pay the standard fee. If the domain is available, you will typically gain control of it almost immediately.

Importance:

General Availability democratizes the process of obtaining new domain names, allowing businesses, individuals, and organizations equal opportunity to register domain names that are important for their online presence. It represents the widest access to new domain extensions, facilitating brand growth, innovation, and the expansion of the internet's domain name system.

Domain prices during the release phases of new domain extensions vary based on several factors, reflecting the unique opportunities and restrictions of each phase.

Factors Influencing Prices:

• Phase Exclusivity: Early phases like Sunrise and Landrush often feature higher prices due to their exclusive access. The Sunrise phase caters to trademark owners, ensuring they can secure domain names related to their trademarks. The Landrush phase offers early access to highly sought-after domains before general availability, justifying the premium.
• Market Demand: Highly desirable domain names, especially those that are short, memorable, or have significant commercial appeal, can command higher prices. Registrars and registry operators may set prices based on the perceived value of domain names.
• Auction Process: In phases where multiple parties show interest in the same domain name, especially during Landrush, an auction may determine the final price, with the domain going to the highest bidder.
• Administrative Costs: Costs associated with validating trademark claims during the Sunrise phase or managing the auction process during Landrush can also influence pricing.

Pricing Structure:

• Sunrise Phase: Premium pricing to cover trademark validation and the exclusive right to claim a domain name related to the trademark.
• Landrush Phase: Also typically premium, reflecting the opportunity to secure a domain name early. If there's high competition, auctions can further increase prices.
• Pre-Registration and General Availability: Usually, these phases offer standard pricing, although desirable domain names might still be priced higher based on demand.

Yes, applicants can apply for a domain in any phase for which they are eligible, but the process and chances of securing a domain vary by phase.

Eligibility and Process: Sunrise Phase:

Reserved for trademark owners with validated trademarks. Requires proof of trademark and possibly additional fees for validation.

Landrush Phase:

Open to anyone willing to pay a premium for early access to domain names. If multiple applicants want the same domain, it may go to auction.

Pre-Registration:

Allows applicants to submit their interest in a domain name ahead of General Availability. It doesn't guarantee the domain but places you in the queue.

General Availability:

Open to the public on a "first come, first serve" basis. No special eligibility requirements, making it the most accessible phase.

Each phase offers different opportunities and challenges, so choosing when to apply depends on your specific needs, budget, and the importance of securing a particular domain name.

When multiple applications for the same domain name are received, the resolution process varies by the phase of application:

Sunrise Phase:

If more than one trademark owner applies for the same domain, it may be resolved through an auction among the eligible applicants, or the domain registry may have specific tie-breaker rules.

Landrush Phase:

Competing claims typically lead to an auction where the highest bidder secures the domain name. This allows fair competition among interested parties.

Pre-Registration and General Availability:

During these phases, domains are generally allocated on a "first come, first serve" basis. However, if multiple pre-registrations for the same domain are received, they may be resolved through an auction or based on the registrar's specific policies.

Auctions are a common method for resolving multiple claims on a domain, ensuring that the domain goes to the party who values it the most.

Pre-Registration is a phase that allows individuals and organizations to submit their domain name applications before the domain extension is officially open for general registration. This phase is designed to queue up applications for immediate processing once the General Availability phase begins.

How It Works: Submission:

During the Pre-Registration phase, you can submit an application for your desired domain name through a participating registrar. You will typically pay the standard registration fee at this time.

Filing:

Your application is not immediately processed but is held until the start of the General Availability phase. It's a way to get your application in the queue early.

Processing:

As soon as the General Availability phase starts, pre-registration applications are processed on a "first come, first served" basis among other pre-registrations. This does not guarantee that you will obtain the domain if there are multiple pre-registration requests for the same domain name, but it gives you an early spot in the line.

Benefits:

• Increases your chances of securing a desired domain name by getting your application in early.
• Simplifies the registration process by allowing you to prepare and submit your application ahead of the general rush.

To validate your trademark for participation in the Sunrise phase, follow these steps:

Register with a Validation Service: Use a recognized trademark validation service, such as the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), to validate your trademark. This will require submitting detailed information about your trademark, including registration number, jurisdiction, and proof of use.

Submit Required Documentation: Provide documentation proving your trademark is registered and active. This may include a registration certificate, proof of use, and a declaration of ownership.

Pay the Validation Fee: There is typically a fee associated with trademark validation. This fee covers the cost of verifying your trademark details and maintaining your trademark in the validation service's database.

Receive a Validation Token: Once your trademark is validated, you'll receive a token or a certificate that proves your eligibility to participate in the Sunrise phase. This token will be required when you apply for a domain name during the Sunrise phase.

Validating your trademark is crucial for protecting your brand and securing your preferred domain name during the Sunrise phase.

The Sunrise phase is the first step in the release of new domain extensions. It's specifically designed to protect the intellectual property rights of trademark owners, allowing them to secure domain names that correspond to their registered trademarks before the domain is available to the general public.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply for a domain name during the Sunrise phase, an applicant must be a trademark owner. The trademark must be registered and valid in the jurisdiction where the trademark is held. Additionally, the applicant needs to validate their trademark through a recognized validation service, such as the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), which is a global repository for trademark data.

Application Process:

The process involves submitting a Sunrise application through a registrar participating in the Sunrise phase for the specific domain extension. The application must include proof of the trademark registration, such as a trademark registration number or a certificate of registration, and the trademark must match the domain name being applied for.

Advantages:

The main advantage of applying during the Sunrise phase is the ability to secure a domain name that is a direct match to your trademark, thereby protecting your brand and preventing others from registering a domain name that could be confusingly similar to your trademark. It's a critical phase for brands looking to maintain their online presence and protect their intellectual property rights.

By participating in the Sunrise phase, trademark owners can ensure their rights are prioritized, safeguarding their brand identity in the digital realm.

The Landrush phase is a key stage in the release of new domain extensions, positioned after the Sunrise phase and designed with different objectives and participants in mind. Here's how it contrasts with the Sunrise phase:

Participant Eligibility:

• Sunrise Phase: Exclusively for validated trademark owners. Applicants must prove ownership of a trademark that matches the domain they wish to register. This phase is designed to protect intellectual property rights and allow trademark owners to secure relevant domain names before they become available to the general public.
• Landrush Phase: Open to anyone interested in securing a domain name early, regardless of trademark ownership. This phase is ideal for individuals, businesses, and organizations seeking to obtain premium or highly desirable domain names before they are released to the general public.

Pricing:

• Sunrise Phase: Often involves a premium price due to the exclusive opportunity for trademark owners to secure domain names directly related to their trademarks.
• Landrush Phase: Also typically features premium pricing, but this is due to the competitive nature of obtaining early access to desirable domain names rather than the protection of trademark rights. Prices may vary based on the domain's perceived value and the level of interest.

Application Process:

• Sunrise Phase: Requires submission of trademark validation documents along with the domain name application. The focus is on protecting intellectual property.
• Landrush Phase: Does not require trademark validation. Applicants can simply choose the domain name they wish to register. If multiple parties are interested in the same domain name, it may lead to an auction where the highest bidder wins the domain.

Objective:

• Sunrise Phase: To prioritize the protection of intellectual property and allow trademark owners the first opportunity to register domain names that are critical to their brand identity.
• Landrush Phase: To provide early access to sought-after domain names for a broader audience, including businesses and individuals without trademark claims, often with the potential for competition and bidding.