How to Get a New gTLD Domain Approved

There has been widespread talk about the new gTLD’s, yet many people still have questions on exactly what is needed to get these new domains approved.

What are New gTLD’s?

The new gTLD’s are top level domains that have extensions that go well beyond the typical 3 letter extensions such as .org, .net, and .com. There have been many new gTLD applications, including generic ones such as .shop and .love, those that are specific brands, and those that are location specific.

How Are New gTLD’s Approved

The new gTLD’s must be approved through ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN is currently working with web site developers and software developers to try to get them to cooperate with the addition of new gTLD’s. The issue is, most software is designed to verify that the top level domain entered is actually acceptable.  If these new domain extensions are not included in those checks that are done automatically, the query will be thrown out as invalid.  ICANN is currently trying to get these developers to either stop performing the checks that they believe are unnecessary, or update the manner in which the checks are done so that all of the domains will be accepted regardless of whether they are old top level domains, or the newer ones.

New gTLD Applicants

New gTLD’s are available for both public and private organizations who are already established. In order to apply for a new gTLD, the organization must wait until the application phase is opened, as the most recent one has been closed. At this time, it is not known when the next application submission phase will open.

In order to submit an application, the business or organization needs to be aware that there are several requirements needed in order for their application to be approved.

The first requirement is that an application costs around $185,000 in fees to submit it, so the organization must have access to substantial resources.

When an organization applies for a new gTLD, they must be aware that they are required to make the decision as to whether they want to operate it as opened or closed.  An open gTLD allows the applicant to license the gTLD to other third parties. A closed gTLD is for use only by the business that submitted the application.

If the application is approved, the business or organization will be responsible for running the gTLD for a minimum of no less than 10 years. This means that an application is not only a huge investment, but it will also become the entities’ responsibility for the duration.

New gTLD Evaluation

When an organization applies for a new gTLD, they will be subjected to several different evaluations. The initial evaluation includes assessments to verify the chosen string, and compares it with other reserved names to determine similarity and stability. If the string is found to be too similar to another string, it could result in confusion by other users, and will not pass the evaluation. The string must also be able to pass DNS security and stability checks to verify that it will not adversely affect them. If the string contains geographic names, it will have to pass an assessment against government strings to gain approval. After the string itself has passed its initial evaluation, the applicant is then reviewed to verify whether they meet the requirements needed.

gTLD Applicant Review

The applicant for the gTLD will be required to pass all of the assessments in the Initial Evaluation process. They will have to show that they have the technical and operational abilities required to run the desired domain, as well as the financial means of doing so. This review process is used to determine whether the applicant has a clear understanding of what it takes to run the domain, as well as the necessary stability to do so. If the new gTLD is intended to be an open one, the organization will have to understand how licensing procedures are applied, and the rules concerning allowing the use of the string by others.

Additionally, the applicant will be required to provide financial proof that they can (or already have) the equipment needed to handle the operation. If the organization does not currently have the equipment required to handle the volume expected for the applied for gTLD, they will need to provide a financial plan documenting how they plan to pay for the necessary equipment. If the applicant does not pass all of the reviews required for the initial evaluation, they may be required to submit to an extended evaluation process.

gTLD Extended Evaluation

If the applicant does not pass the initial evaluation process, they can request an extended evaluation of any of the processes that they did not pass. Some of these additional evaluation modules will require additional fee payments, but others do not. Each applicant must request the extended evaluation within 15 days in order to be considered.

It is important to understand that the information provided in the initial evaluation will also be used in the extended evaluation. The difference is, the applicant can submit additional information that will be used in conjunction with the previous information provided. Additionally, they will also be required to undergo background screening as well as providing the additional information.

The initial part of the extended evaluation is a background screen. This screening is conducted to determine whether the organization follows general diligence requirements in business, whether they have a criminal history, and whether they have ever been involved in cybersquatting.

If the applicant is able to pass the initial evaluation, or the extended evaluation, their application will then be sent on to subsequent panels to determine whether the application will be considered for further review. After the application has gone through each panel successfully, and met all requirements, they will be notified when the new gTLD will be approved and released for use by internet users worldwide.

As you can see it is not easy to obtain a new gTLD and the process has been well thought out.