Name.com’s New TLD launch FAQ

No, you did not misread that headline. New TLDs are actually launching. We’re not kidding.

Release dates are still fluid, but a couple IDNs (Internationalized Domain Names) are expected to launch in 2-3 weeks, and a handful of gTLDs will launch shortly thereafter (we’re thinking it’ll be within 30 days, but again, it’s fluid).

Which New TLDs are launching first?

As of this very moment, these are the extensions we expect will launch first.

Two IDNs:

• .شبكة (Arabic for “web” or network)

• .游戏 (Chinese for “game(s)”)

And the following gTLDs:

.CAMERA, .CLOTHING, .LIGHTING, .SINGLES, .TATTOO, .UNO, .VENTURES, .VOYAGE, and .GURU.

How can I register a domain with a New TLD as soon as it launches?

Each New TLD will launch with a 60(ish)-day Sunrise Period. During Sunrise, only verified trademarks can be registered. Trademarks are verified by the Trademark Clearinghouse.

So if my trademarks have already been verified, I’m all set?

Yup. Make sure your New TLD watcher is up to date (or sign up) and we’ll send you Sunrise phase details about specific New TLDs when the launch dates are solidified.

I have trademarks, but they haven’t been verified. What do I do?

We advise that you submit your trademarks to the Trademark Clearinghouse as soon as possible. The verification process can take 2-3 weeks. This is just the first batch of New TLDs, with hundreds more set to launch in the next couple years. The sooner you get verified, the sooner you’ll be able to register your trademarks as domain names with New TLDs.

I don’t plan to participate in Sunrise. Should I still submit my trademarks?

Aside from Sunrise participation, submitting your trademarks also allows the Trademark Clearinghouse to provide Claims Service. During the first 90 days that each New TLD is available to the general public, you’ll be alerted if someone attempts to register a domain name using your trademark. This gives you an opportunity to combat any possible trademark infringement.

I don’t have any trademarks. When will New TLDs be available to me?

If you don’t have any trademarks, the first chance you’ll have to register domains with New TLDs will typically be the Landrush phase. Landrush often involves premium pricing and/or auctions, but landrush procedures and date ranges can vary greatly from TLD to TLD.  We’ll have more details about specifics for individual landrush phases as the information becomes available.

OK, so when are New TLDs going to be available for everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis?

That’s what’s known as General Availability. It begins after the Sunrise and Landrush (if applicable) phases have passed. For instance, if there’s a 60-day Sunrise phase and a 30-day Landrush phase for a TLD, General availability would begin 90 days after launch.

I don’t have the time or energy to keep up with all this stuff. I just care about a select few New TLDs.

That’s what our New TLD Watcher is for, and now that the New TLDs are finally arriving it’s more useful than ever. You choose the New TLDs you want news about, and we’ll make sure you know about each important development.