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Pre-Registration

From ICANNWiki

Pre-Registration, within the context of ICANN's New gTLD Program, refers to the practice of allowing registrants to register for second-level domain names in a new gTLD that may become available after their sunrise and claims periods.[1] Like the gTLD program, this is a relatively new practice, and different registries are offering pre-registration services with unique terms and conditions.[1] With multiple registrars providing variations of this service,[2][3] there is no assurance that the registrants will get their pre-registered names.[4]

Public Perception[edit | edit source]

The reactions to pre-registration are mixed. Some believe that pre-registration will increase hype and speculation for new domain names, raising the price and resulting in "price gouging."[5] Additionally, services cannot guarantee that they will get the name, and if the registrar were to act unscrupulously, the aspiring registrant may be charged for an unsuccessful service.[1] Others see pre-registration as a kind of natural extension of the domain industry created by the demand and competition for desirable new domains. It can also be viewed simply as a service that helps customers get the domain names they want.

Outcome[edit | edit source]

The outcome of this practice is unknown as many new gTLDs have not yet become generally available and are still within the contracting and launch processes.

Historical Use[edit | edit source]

This practice, in terms of the new gTLDs, is currently developing. Here are some examples of pre-registration programs:

  • Some registrars, like Afilias, are offering pre-registration in the context of keeping interested parties notified on up-to-date TLD developments related to the domains they want to register.[2] This service is free. The pre-registrants are only required to state which TLDs they are interested in (not the name they are hoping to get) and their email addresses.[2] This kind of service does not guarantee any individual will get the name he or she is after.
  • Other services, such as the Priority Reservation service provided by Minds + Machines, offer registrants "the first place in line" for a given domain name in the new gTLDs they represent.[6] In order to accomplish this, Minds + Machines is using an Online Priority Enhanced Names (OPEN) database.[4] Clients are asked to pay for the domain name during pre-registration, and if the name cannot be obtained then the client will receive a full refund.[4][6]
    • If there are multiple binding and paid-for pre-registrations for one domain name, some registrars, such as GoDaddy, will hold auctions as opposed to working on a first come, first serve basis.[7]

ICANN Policy[edit | edit source]

There is currently no ICANN precedent for pre-registration.

Legislation[edit | edit source]

There is no U.S. legislation addressing pre-registration.

Additional Resources[edit | edit source]

Related Articles[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 TLDH launches “Priority Registration” service for new TLDs, starting at €29.95 by Andrew Allemann (November 18, 2013), Domain Name Wire
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 New gTLD Pre-Registration FAQ, Afilias
  3. Minds and Machines
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 TLDH reveals new gTLD launch strategy by Kevin Murphy (November 18, 2013), DomainIncite.com
  5. Are Registrars Price Gouging Pre-Registration of New gTLDs? by Bill Hartzer (January 6, 2014), BillHartzer.com
  6. 6.0 6.1 FAQ, Minds + Machines
  7. Discover the new .PHOTOGRAPHY domain names: What is .Photography?, GoDaddy.com