IP Alerts

March 19, 2012

In follow-up to our January alert, we remind interested applicants that March 29, 2012, is the deadline to register with ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that administers Internet domains) your intention to apply for a generic top-level domain (“gTLD”). After registering, an applicant will have until April 12, 2012, to complete and submit the required application along with the application fee. To date, ICANN reports that it has received more than 100 applications for new gTLDs. 
 
On May 1, 2012, ICANN will post a list of the new gTLD character strings applied for during the application period and will identify the corresponding applicants. Brand owners and other interested parties will then have the opportunity to comment on and file formal objections to the registration of applied-for gTLD strings.

In the near future, we will provide further updates and information about reviewing the list of applied-for gTLD strings and the opportunities to comment on and challenge the registration of a gTLD.   
 
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Fitch Even partner Joseph T. Nabor.