New TLD contracting

The following is an outline of the Contracting process as defined by ICANN, it is our goal to supplement this with actual contracting timelines and action items that are encountered by new TLD applicants. Information can be edited directly, or contact Andrew Merriam, andrew[at]tldesign.co

Steps & Timeline

1. CIR (aprox. 8 days)
   1. CIR Review
2. Sign Registry Agreement
3. PDT (approx. 6 weeks)
4. Transition to Delegation (approx. 2 weeks)
5. Delegation
6. Registry Onboarding

Contracting Information Request

• See Contracting Information Request summary and example.
• ICANN Stats on CIR Timeline: approx 8 days
• Applicant Stats on CIR Timeline: ___ days

Registry Agreement

• See Summary and Examples on Signing Registry Agreement
• ICANN suggested timeline: 7 days
• Applicant timeline examples:

Pre-Delegation Testing

The Pre-Delegation Testing (PDT) process allows ICANN to determine if registries meet specific “technical and operational requirements” deemed necessary to maintain a new gTLD.

Post-Delegation Processes

Sunrise Period

The Sunrise Period gives trademark holders a minimum of 30 days to register domain names that match their trademarks before these names become publicly accessible. Additionally, notice must be given to all trademark holders in the clearinghouse when new gTLDs enter this process.

Trademark Clearinghouse

Registries are required to submit new gTLDs to the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMC or TMCH), which was established in order to protect intellectual and trademarked property. Attempts to register a mark that is already within the system will lead to notification.

Top-Level Domain