How does the launch of a new TLD work?

What are new TLDs?

A new TLD is what any extension that attempts to enter the domain name market is called. Previously limited to a handful of extensions, the market quickly became saturated until it was almost impossible to find an available domain name.

Since 2003, the market has opened up to many new extensions. Some of them represent communities (.gay, .bzh), professions (.lawyer, .immo), cities or regions (.alsace, .london) while others relate to lifestyles, sports, etc.

You can filter by category to easily browse our hundreds of extensions.

TLD launch phases

Sunrise This period is restricted to trademark owners and right holders. Your trademarks must be registered with the Trademark Clearinghouse to be able to register a domain during this phase.
LR (Landrush) / LRP (Limited Registration Period) / EAP (Early Access Program)
The Landrush period comes right before the General Availability period and allow for priority domain name registration at a higher price point.
The LRP covers a succession of time periods dedicated to privileged domain registrations. Each of these periods is reserved for a specific category of applicants.
The EAP is part of the General Availability period and open to all applicants. During EAP, domain can be registered in advance and prices decrease as the General Availability starting date approaches.
General Availability
Registrations are open to all applicants, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Claims The 90-day trademark protection period starts as soon as the extension is launched. If a domain name registration request coincides with trademarks registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse, the applicant is notified by email and informed that the desired domain name may infringe upon the rights of the relevant trademark holders. The applicant is then invited to confirm or reject the registration request. If the registration is successful, the holders of the relevant trademarks receive an email notification alerting them to the potential infringement of their intellectual property rights.