1. What is a gTLD?

gTLD stands for generic Top-Level Domain. The gTLDs form part of the Internet's global addressing system or domain-name system (DNS). A gTLD is the technical term for the suffixes which appear at the end of Internet addresses and are used to route traffic through the Internet.

There are different types of top-level domains, used to identify specific types of organizations, associations or activities (see RFC 1591 ). Examples of gTLDs include .COM, for commercial organizations; .EDU for education and academia; and .MOBI for mobile phone users. Some gTLDs, such as .COM or .INFO, are intended for general use. Others are intended for use by a specific community - such as .COOP for cooperative organizations. A complete list of existing gTLDs is available at http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/.

2. What is a ccTLD?

ccTLD stands for country-code Top-Level Domain. They are also part of the Internet DNS. They are two-letter, top-level domains that identify a country or territory. Approximately 250 ccTLDs have been established. Examples include: .ca for Canada, .jp for Japan, and .eu for the European Union. A listing of existing ccTLDs is available at http://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/.

3. What is an IDN?

IDN stands for Internationalized Domain Name. IDNs are domain names represented by local language characters. Such domain names could contain characters with diacritical marks as required by many European languages, or characters from non-Latin scripts (for example, Arabic or Chinese). IDNs make the domain name label as it is displayed and viewed by the end user different from that transmitted in the DNS. To avoid confusion the following terminology is used: The A-label is what is transmitted in the DNS protocol and this is the ASCII-compatible (ACE) form of an IDNA string; for example "xn--11b5bs1di". The U-label is what should be displayed to the user and is the representation of the Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) in Unicode; Lastly, the LDH-label strictly refers to an all-ASCII label that obeys the "hostname" (LDH) conventions and that is not an IDN.

History and Policy Development

1. How are new gTLDs created?

The decision to launch these coming new gTLD application rounds followed a detailed and lengthy consultation process with all constituencies of the global Internet community. Representatives from a wide variety of stakeholders—governments, individuals, civil society, business and intellectual property constituencies, and the technology community—were engaged in discussions for more than 18 months. In October 2007, the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO)—one of the groups that coordinate global Internet policy at ICANN—completed its policy development work on new gTLDs and approved a set of recommendations. Contributing to this policy work were ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) and Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC). The culmination of this policy development process was a decision by the ICANN Board of Directors to adopt the community-developed policy in June 2008 at the ICANN meeting in Paris. A thorough brief to the policy process and outcomes can be found at http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/.

New gTLDs have previously been established based on proposals that were submitted to ICANN during specific application periods, or rounds. ICANN has carried out two previous application rounds for new gTLDs – one in 2000 and another in 2004. Materials from the previous application processes are available at http://www.icann.org/tlds/app-index.htm (2000) and http://www.icann.org/tlds/stld-apps-19mar04/ (2003-4). Both previous application rounds were purposely restricted due to considerations at the time relating to the global network’s security and stability. Applications received during these rounds were evaluated against previously-published criteria, and those applicants who were successful went on to sign TLD Registry Agreements with ICANN. There are currently 21 gTLDs.

2. Why is there a need for new gTLDs?

The wider Internet community that takes part in the ICANN policy development process has advocated for new gTLDs. The expansion will allow for more innovation, choice and change to the Internet’s addressing system, now constrained by only 21 generic top-level domain names. In a world with 1.5 billion Internet users—and growing—diversity, choice and competition are key to the continued success and reach of the global network.

3. How did the Policy Development Process Work?

The Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) is responsible for creating policy applicable to gTLDs. The GNSO policy development process aimed to create a standing policy to guide an opening gTLD application round as well as continuing procedures. The GNSO’s constituencies and Council members worked to arrive at consensus policy recommendations which have already been adopted by the GNSO Council and were approved by the ICANN Board of Directors in June 2008. http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-4-26jun08-en.htm The GNSO Policy Development Process (PDP) is formally defined in the ICANN Bylaws (see http://www.icann.org/general/bylaws.htm#AnnexA ). The GNSO’s final report on the introduction of New gTLDs can be found here ( Part A , Part B )

4. How are the GNSO’s policy recommendations being implemented?

ICANN staff reviewed the 19 GNSO recommendations and developed a set of steps to put each of them into practice. ICANN staff have also taken the GNSO’s adopted guiding principles and implementation guidelines into account. One of the main elements of this implementation work is a New gTLDs Applicant Guidebook, which can be thought of as a roadmap for potential gTLD applicants.

Applicant Guidebook

1. What is the Applicant Guidebook?

The Applicant Guidebook, also referred to as Request for Proposal (RFP) is a step-by-step roadmap for potential applicants. Some elements detailed in the Guidebook are: technical and operational criteria, financial criteria, evaluation fees, required documentation, evaluation processes, and objection proceedings. The Guidebook is being released to the public in two iterations.

The first will be a draft version, referred to as the Draft Applicant Guidebook. The draft applicant guidebook is posted on the ICANN website for public comments http://icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-en.htm. The public comment period will last for at least 45 days. The Internet community participation during the public comment period is an extremely important step to review and provide input on the information regarding the process.

Taking public comments into account, ICANN will then develop and release a final version of the Applicant Guidebook, which will enable the opening of the application round.

2. When will the Final Applicant Guidebook be available?

The final Applicant Guidebook is expected to be released early 2009.

3. What are Explanatory Memoranda?

Explanatory Memoranda are a set of papers that further explain specific aspects of certain topics within the corresponding modules of the applicant guidebook. These papers were released and posted for comment together with the applicant guidebook.

Application Process

1. Who can apply for a new gTLD?

Any public or private-sector organization can apply to create and operate a new gTLD. Any established corporation, organization, or institution in good standing may apply for a new gTLD. Applications from individuals or sole proprietorships will not be considered. ICANN expects a broad range of public and private sector organizations from around the world to apply. Applicants for new gTLDs will need to meet operational and technical criteria in order to preserve Internet security and stability.

2. When can I next apply for a New gTLD?

ICANN is working to launch a new application round for gTLDs in 2009, following the publication of the Final Applicant Guidebook. However, the precise policies and timeline for introducing new gTLDs is in process of being completed before specific application opening dates can be finalized. ICANN has begun an extended period of outreach and information sharing to ensure that potential applicants have all the information they need to prepare and lodge a successful application. Once this process has been completed, ICANN will announce the date of the open application round for new gTLDs.

3. Will ICANN have additional rounds of application, or this is my only chance?

There will be opportunity for applications in the future. According to the GNSO Policy, ICANN will announce the future rounds at the same time it announces the first round. The exact timeframe for the future rounds has not yet been established.

4. How do I apply for a new gTLD?

The application round will start a few months after the posting of the Final Applicant Guidebook. Detailed application information will be published in that document. The time-frame between the posting of the Final Applicant Guidebook and the opening of the first application round is to allow new gTLD candidates to become familiar with the process. Potential applicants for new gTLDs will be able to download information from the ICANN website. This information will describe the criteria that must be met in order to be approved for a new gTLD, including the details of the application requirements and the evaluation fee. This is a fee levied to cover the costs of establishing and running the gTLD application process. When the application round opens, candidates will apply via an online application system.

5. I have an idea for a new gTLD. Can I register my idea with ICANN in advance of the next application period?

No. The application process for new gTLDs is not a “first come, first served” process. ICANN will accept submissions only during an open application period. As such, there is no incentive to ensuring your application is received before everyone else’s applications. Instead, applicants will need to meet the objective criteria set forth in the Applicant Guidebook. To be selected to operate a new TLD, an applicant must satisfy ICANN that, among other criteria, it has strong technical and business capability and a commitment to implement ICANN policies effectively.

6. Is the application process going to be the same as for the previous new gTLD rounds in 2000 and 2003?

No. The GNSO recommendations are intended to create a standing policy to guide an opening gTLD application round as well as continuing procedures. This new implementation may share some similarities to the previous rounds, but it will not mirror the past rounds.

7. Does this application process cover new ccTLDs also?

No. Information on procedures for establishing ccTLDs is available at http://www.iana.org/cctld/cctld-establishment-procedures-19mar03.htm. However, anyone, including ccTLD operators, may apply to operate a new gTLD.

8. Can applicants who were not selected in previous rounds re-apply in future rounds?

Yes.

9. Will applicants who participated in the previous gTLD application processes receive special treatment in future rounds?

ICANN is reviewing the status of applications from the New gTLD round in 2000 that were not selected for negotiations; please see http://www.icann.org/en/topics/background-info-newgtld-apps-13feb08.htm for more information.

10. Will applicants operating alternate root systems be given preferential treatment in future rounds?

No. All applicants in a potential future application process would be equally eligible for a particular TLD string. ICANN is committed to a single, authoritative public root for the DNS and to the management of that unique root in the public interest according to policies developed through community processes. Please see ICP-3 for a detailed statement of ICANN’s position on alternate roots.

11. What will happen during the application period?

The application period will likely last for a minimum of several weeks. Applicants will use a dedicated interface to answer a series of questions about their business and technical capabilities to operate a registry and to upload supporting documents. The online application system will also serve as a tracking and workflow management tool for ICANN staff, applicants and the various service providers supporting the evaluation or objection processes.

12. How will gTLD applications be assessed?

The Applicant Guidebook will be published prior to commencement of any application period. The Guidebook will provide complete applicant and string criteria requirements and applications will be assessed against these published criteria. Evaluators or evaluation teams will be responsible for determining if applicants successfully meet these requirements.

13. How can I object to an application?

After the list of all TLD applications is published on ICANN’s website, there will be a period of time for third-parties to object using a pre-established Dispute Resolution Procedures (DRP). Some of the details about the DRP are still under development. All objections will be managed by Dispute Resolution Service Providers, specialized organizations that are not part of ICANN. As of now, the following are grounds for objection:

String Confusion Objections

Legal Rights Objections

Morality and Public Order

Community Objections

14. Who will manage the Dispute Resolution Procedures?

To resolve disputes in a timely and independent fashion ICANN has established relationships with internationally recognized dispute resolution providers to administrate the dispute resolution processes called for as part of ICANN's evaluation of new gTLD applications. Three providers have been selected to provide expertise to ICANN relating to the evaluation of the applications: The Arbitration and Mediation Center of the World Intellectual Property Organization; The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); and, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR).

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has agreed in principle to administer disputes brought pursuant to Morality and Public Order Objections and Community Objections. The ICC is a world-renowned dispute resolution provider based in Paris, France.

The Arbitration and Mediation Center of the World Intellectual Property Organization has agreed in principle to administer disputes brought pursuant to Legal Rights Objections. The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, based in Geneva, Switzerland, was established in 1994 to offer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options for the resolution of international commercial disputes between private parties.

Finally, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) has agreed in principle to administer disputes relating to String Confusion Objections. The ICDR, based in New York, NY, United States, has many cooperative agreements with arbitral institutions around the world for facilitating the administration of its international cases.

15. Is ICANN using an auction method to settle disputes between two or more organizations vying for the right to a gTLD?

ICANN is considering the use of auctions as a tie-breaking mechanism within the new gTLD process, in some cases where there is more than one qualified applicant for an identical or similar TLD string. In some specific cases involving community based applications, ICANN is also considering a comparative evaluation mechanism. No final decision has been made.

16. What happens after a new gTLD is approved?

Once a proposed gTLD is deemed to satisfy the Applicant Guidebook criteria and passes all evaluation and selection processes, the applicant organization is required to conclude an agreement with ICANN and agree to comply with consensus policies approved by the Board of Directors.

Fees

1. How much is the application fee?

The evaluation fee is set at a level to ensure the new gTLD program is self-funded. That means ICANN’s implementation costs must not exceed program fees. This was one of the guiding recommendations of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO).

There are three components in fee estimate: $US26, 000 (per applicant) in historical program development costs; approximately $US100, 000 per applicant in readily identifiable costs of evaluating and processing an application and; approximately $US60, 000 to cover additional elements of the application and delegation process that are very difficult to estimate in this first round of new gTLDs.

A detailed outline of the Evaluation Fee and other financial considerations are detailed in the Explanatory Memoranda paper: “Cost Considerations for New Top Level Domains”.

2. Are there any additional costs I should be aware of in applying for a new gTLD?

All applicants will be required to pay the evaluation fee and a US$100 user registration fee to access the application program online interface. Considering that a TLD application might follow different paths, such as going through an objection or string contention processes, additional fees may apply to some applicants. The details about the various fees are still in development.

3. Will ICANN offer refunds?

Refunds are available to applicants who choose to withdraw at certain stages of the process. An applicant that wishes to withdraw an application must use the application interface to request a refund. ICANN will not consider any other form of request for refunds. Refunds will only be issued to the organization that submitted the original payment. All refunds are paid by wire transfer. Any bank transfer or transaction fees will be deducted from the amount paid.

4. Is ICANN doing this to make money?

No. ICANN is a not-for-profit organization and this is a not-for-profit initiative. ICANN is required however to recoup expenses related to the new gTLD program. It is possible ICANN will over-collect or under-collect for the first round of applications. If fee collection exceeds ICANN expenses, the community will be consulted as to how that excess is to be used.

Trademarks

1. Is there going to be a Sunrise Period for trademark owners?

No. Trademark owners will apply during the general application period.

2. Do I need to have a trademark in order to apply for a new gTLD?

No, there is no requirement for an applicant to hold a trademark in order to apply for a New gTLD.

3. What can I do if someone applies for my trademark?

ICANN is developing a dispute resolution mechanism that will allow third parties that feel that their legal rights are being infringed upon to object. This objection mechanism is meant to both dissuade disingenuous applications, but also to offer a solution when a party feels their legal rights are being infringed upon.

4. How is ICANN protecting rights of trademark holders, communities and other right holders against abusive registrations and infringement?

ICANN has sought input from numerous businesses, governments and the intellectual property community to devise an approach to protecting the rights of third parties. The plan outlined in the Applicant Guidebook (and corresponding Explanatory Memoranda) addresses rights protection issues at both the top-level and the second-level of the domain name space.

At the top-level, ICANN is implementing an objection-based process for dispute resolution where rights holders can assert that proposed gTLD strings would infringe their legal rights based upon generally accepted and internationally recognized principles of law. This process is also being developed with the understanding that it is also not unusual to have a trademark in the same word or phrase for different products or services or registered in different jurisdictions.

At the second-level, ICANN is implementing a process where new gTLD applicants are required to describe their Rights Protection Mechanism (RPM) within their applications. These RPMs will be published to the community at the time applications are also made public. All new gTLDs will be subject to ICANN's existing and successful Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy ( http://www.icann.org/en/udrp/#udrp ).

5. If an applicant applies for a brand name will any brand owners be notified by ICANN?

Brand owners will not be notified by ICANN. However, ICANN will conduct public outreach to educate the community on what their responsibilities are, ahead of the application period. ICANN will publish the list of all applications after the application period.

Miscellaneous

1. What is the process for submitting questions about new gTLDs?

ICANN encourages community inquiries on the gTLD process. Questions may be sent to newgtld@icann.org . This FAQ will also be updated periodically based on questions received. Please also check the New gTLD page to find out about the latest developments.