Has the window closed to apply for keyword.gTLD?

[bill]

I was asked whether it would be possible to apply for a new gTLD by a company that wanted to protect its trademark/brand. They had read about the likes of .apple, .google, etc. and wanted to know if they could do that for their company.

To the best of my knowledge the application window for the current round of new keyword domains has been closed for quite some time. What is the schedule for future? Are there any ways to join the queue?

[gpmgroup]

As far as I know there is no official schedule. There are also consumer and economic impacts studies that have been promised once the initial round is underway to take place before any subsequent rounds.

[bill]

So it could be years before they open this process up again?

[gpmgroup]

Hard to be definitive, the people who were applying the most pressure to get new gTLDs are very busy launching their products.

I would guess most of the major brands who wanted their .brand have them, most of the IP guys programmers and marketters are busier than they've ever been, ICANN is awash with cash, and people who think it may just be a huge cash grab for industry insiders are expecting a time for it to all settle together with ensuing reports and analysis.

[bill]

I don't know if I agree with you about the brands. The early movers dropped their cash, and many of them had the in-house technical know-how, so it was easy to jump in. There are plenty of brands sitting on the sidelines waiting to see how the likes of Canon, Google, Apple and others handle this.

A reduction in the application fee and simplification of the process might entice more brands to consider this sort of investment.

[matrix_jan]

bill, have you tried to contat ICANN directly? This page is quite dated but gives some insight into the process (and fees).

[icann.org...]

[bill]

Thanks. That announcement is a bit out of date. The new gTLD has a portal for customers [newgtlds.icann.org...] but it doesn't mention new applications that I can see.

[gpmgroup]

ensuing reports and analysis

From last night's board meeting:

ICANN President and CEO, or his designee, is hereby directed to immediately:

Secure one or more qualified survey firm to conduct a global consumer survey to gather baseline measurements in the areas of consumer trust and consumer choice.The Board authorizes the contracting for and disbursement of payments of up to [AMOUNT REDACTED FOR NEGOTIATION PURPOSES] to conduct this global survey to establish the baseline and to conduct subsequent follow-up surveys. The survey should ensure coverage in each of the five ICANN Geographic regions, and where relevant ensure a mix of developed and developing countries in each region.

Secure one or more qualified economic firm to conduct an economic study to take into account the impact of new gTLDs on competition in the DNS ecosystem, including consideration of relevant pricing data. The economic study should take into account the wholesale and retail prices (including aftermarket prices) for ccTLD and gTLD domain names now and at a later point; take into account TLD startup and launch phases as well as ongoing operations; and include an analysis of the findings in light of the competitive conditions of the domain name sector. The contract terms should require strict confidentiality and use of data only in aggregate form, as well as other safeguards to protect against misuse of the data collected. The Board authorizes the contracting for and disbursement of payments of up to [AMOUNT REDACTED FOR NEGOTIATION PURPOSES] to conduct this economic study to establish a baseline against which subsequent follow-on surveys will be measured, and to conduct the subsequent follow-on surveys.