Weekly Launch Guide December 30, 2019

SPOTLIGHT

Start Planning for the .New Year

Google Registry is now accepting applications for the Limited Registration Phase of the .new launch. Applications for this phase must clearly describe the intended use case for the requested .new domain name and comply with the .new registration policy. Applications in this phase also require the site be live within 100 days from registration.

The registry will review and evaluate Limited Registration applications in monthly batches to ensure applicants can secure their domains without additional delay. Successful applicants receive a token that can be submitted to the registry to complete the registration of their domain at the conclusion of each batch. First-come, first-served principles will not apply to applications within a single batch. If the registry rejects an application, the applicant can resubmit with corrections in a subsequent batch.

Batch Evaluation Dates​:

Batch 1: December 2, 2019 to January 5, 2020

Batch 2: January 6, 2020 to February 2, 2020

Batch 3: February 3, 2020 to March 1, 2020

Batch 4: March 2, 2020 to March 29, 2020

Batch 5: March 30, 2020 to April 26, 2020

Batch 6: April 27, 2020 to May 24, 2020

Batch 7: May 25, 2020 to June 21, 2020

CSC can submit token applications to the registry. Please contact your Client Service Partner for more information.

Palestine Releasing One Character Domains

The Palestinian National Internet Naming Authority (PNINA) announced that the registry will release one character .ps domains starting on January 6, 2020. One-character domains are considered premium names by the registry. Domains will be available first-come, first-served to interested applicants. Please contact your Client Service Partner for more information.

Adult Blocks – UPDATE!

Back in 2011, over 80,000 trademark owners applied for the .XXX blocks categorically known as Sunrise B (“SRB”) Blocks. The SRB afforded Trademark owners the right to enable blocks on their brands over the course of a 10 year period.

As mentioned in our previous Launch Guide, the ICM Registry launched a new blocking mechanism with the AdultBlock featuring:

• A collective block coverage of all four ICM Registry TLDs – .XXX, .SEX, .ADULT and .PORN
• AdultBlock A basic block coverage on single exact match terms
• Adult Block+ A more comprehensive block that has a wider coverage of protection for the exact match term against variations of confusingly similar character sets with variant protection in over 20 different languages and scripts. (i.e. – homoglyphs; IDNs; TMCH variant coverage).
• Eligibility of the Adult Block coverage can be enabled through an original .xxx SRB or through a valid Signed Mark Data file (“SMD”) attained from the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH).

Converting .XXX Blocks (“SUNRISE B” Domains) into an Adultblock+

While .XXX Blocks are not due to expire until 2021, the ICM registry is offering special pricing until December 31, 2019 to convert .XXX Blocks (“SUNRISE B” Domains) into 10-year AdultBlock+ subscriptions.

To help our clients determine what, if any, .XXX Blocks they should consider converting into an Adultblock+ before December 31, 2019, we are offering a complimentary consultation to ensure you make the best decision based on your current trademark and brand protection strategy:

• Adult Blocks – What you need to know
• What is the process/policy for Sunrise B blocks renewing in 2021?
• What happens if I want to cancel my Sunrise B registration?
• What happens if you do nothing?
• CSC can provide a comprehensive analysis of the Adult TLDs in your portfolio – including a potential costs savings analysis.

Still Launching

The following TLDs have launch phases (Pre-General Availability) that are currently still in progress. If you are interested in participating in any of these launches, please contact your Client Service Partner.

.cat (1 & 2 character)

.TH

.basketball

.mt

.bot

.rugby

.pa

.new

.ar

Launches within 30 days (bold indicates where dates fall within time frame)

The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice.