Global domain name registrar IP Mirror
has announced sunrise* and land rush* periods for various global top
level domain (gTLD) names. For new companies which have not managed to
get short and unique domain names with common top level domains like
'.com' and '.net', the series of new gTLDs being introduced offer much
more scope for getting an appropriate web name.
The
land rush period for '.club' expires May 6, IP Mirror said.
"Registering during land rush significantly improves your chance to
secure your desired name prior to general availability"," the company
said in a newsletter.
As the
cost of applying for a new top level domain is US$185,000, it is in the
interests of the owners of gTLDs to have as many people registering for their domain as possible.
According
to IP Mirror, the .wang (a transliteration of 网, or 'web' in Chinese)
gTLD exits the sunrise phase on May 20, while a number of gTLDs exit the
sunrise phase in June, including:
.archi
.industries
.ink
.moda
.parts
.supplies
.supply
.tools
IP Mirror also disclosed that premium domain names* for the '.sg' TLD are on sale till 30 April.
*There are three phases of domain name registration. All domain name registries are required by ICANN
to offer intellectual property claims services, also called the
'sunrise' phase. During this phase, typically 30 days long, registered
trademark holders are entitled to register domains relevant to their
marks in a new top level domain, before sales are open to the public.
The registration period lasts for two years, after which the domain has
to be reclaimed again.
The optional 'land rush'
phase follows the 'sunrise' phase, and lasts for about 30 days. It
allows anyone to register new domains on a first-come, first-served
basis, other than for premium domains. Premium domains are particularly
high-value, and sold separately at higher prices.
'Land rush' is followed
by 'general availability' or 'general launch' during which applications
are available at a lower price than during 'land rush'. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has a resolution process in the case of multiple trademark holders who want the same domain names.
More information on generic top level domains is here.
