It's official — ICANN is launching the next new gTLD application period in April 2026. This is a rare and significant opportunity for businesses, brand owners, nonprofits, and other interested parties to apply to operate their own Top-Level Domain (TLD). The last round, held in 2012, introduced over 1,000 new gTLDs, reshaping the digital landscape.
The time to consider whether a new gTLD is right for your brand is now. Reach out to schedule a consultation with a FairWinds gTLD expert today.
What is a New gTLD?
A new gTLD (generic Top Level Domain) is an internet domain extension that goes beyond traditional options like .COM, .NET, and .ORG. Introduced to expand the domain name system, new gTLDs enable brands, communities, and organizations of all types to create customized or industry-specific extensions, such as .TECH or .SHOP, .IBM, or .TOYOTA.
.BRAND TLDs are restricted for the trademark holders’ exclusive use.
Operating a .BRAND improves your brand’s recognition across your domain portfolio, provides security benefits, improves searchability, and increases the availability of otherwise scarce domain names. For example, acquiring cloud.com may be prohibitively expensive vs. registering cloud.mybrand quickly and cheaply.
Who might want to apply?
Any interested party can apply for one or more new gTLD to gain control over their own domain extension(s).
The current domain landscape includes a diverse range of TLDs with various purposes and business models. However, based on industry trends, most applications are expected to fall into a few key categories:
.BRAND TLDs
Entities whose trademark is identical to the .BRAND they seek looking to modernize or future-proof their digital identity may apply for .BRAND TLDs.
Geographic TLDs
These represent locations more specific than country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). For example, .NYC was introduced for New York City in the 2012 round.
Industry- or Community-Specific TLDs
Designed for specific business sectors or communities, these TLDs often incorporate industry-related keywords. For example, companies in emerging fields like blockchain or Web3 may apply for TLDs that align with their niche, while communities seeking to strengthen their digital presence may apply for TLDs that reflect their shared interests and activities. For example, the National Association of Realtors secured .REALTOR for exclusive use by their members in 2012.
Colleges and Universities
Institutions seeking to strengthen community identity and alumni engagement by offering a shared digital moniker. For example, a .TIGERS TLD could unify the Princeton or Louisiana State University communities, while also underscoring the importance of brand protection.
How and when do I apply?
The next new gTLD application window is fast approaching. In December 2025, ICANN is expected to publish the Applicant Guidebook, outlining the official rules and requirements for the program. This publication will initiate a four-month countdown to the application window, which is anticipated to remain open for 12 to 15 weeks.
Once applications are submitted, they will undergo a comprehensive evaluation and objections period, during which ICANN will assess applicants on technical, operational, and financial capabilities. Successful applications will then proceed to delegation, with new gTLDs expected to be awarded in 2026 or 2027.
Given the complexity of this process, FairWinds provides end-to-end support for applicants navigating the new gTLD application process via our New gTLD SPARK (Strategy, Planning, Application, Registration, and Knowledge) service. From strategic assessment to application, delegation, and ongoing management, our services, led by our team of experts, ensure a seamless and informed approach to acquiring and operating a new gTLD.
TLD Application Decision-Making Support
Comprehensive evaluation of a company’s risk profile and business need for a TLD.
- Industry and competitor analysis
- Financial analysis of application and operational costs
- String selection and contention evaluation
- Use case ideation and evaluation
- Executive-level briefings to facilitate decision-making regarding further TLD investment
Pre-Application Strategy Development
Comprehensive analysis of your company’s brand portfolio and business objectives to identify the optimal use case(s) for your prospective TLD(s).
- Customized presentations and documentation outlining branded TLD usage options
- Evaluation of preferred TLD model(s) supported by corresponding business case(s)
- Executive-level briefings to facilitate approval of the recommended TLD model(s)
Vendor Sourcing & Contracting
Guidance on selecting and contracting with pre-approved Registry Service Providers (RSPs).
- Sourcing competitive rates and contract terms
- Providing a detailed vendor comparison
- Facilitating negotiations and agreement finalization
Application Services
Full-service management of the TLD application process, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and strategic execution.
- Vendor coordination and contract management
- Application drafting and submission
- Legal entity setup and financial disclosures
- Contention Set analysis and auction strategy
- Management of application comments and changes
Delegation & Launch Management
Project management from successful application approval to operational launch.
- ICANN contracting and compliance management
- Vendor and delegation oversight
- TLD launch strategy and NIC page content oversight
- Go-live execution and ongoing support
Ongoing TLD Maintenance
Comprehensive management of TLD operations, encompassing regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and seamless coordination of all vendors relationships.
New gTLD Next Round Monitoring Services
Expert monitoring and legal analysis of open new TLDs – where domain registration is unrestricted – to help identify potential risks and recommend defensive registrations or blocks to safeguard clients’ rights and prevent abusive infringement.
- Reveal Day reporting on newly applied-for strings
- Legal rights objection services
- Defensive registration and trademark protection strategies for open TLDs
Contact Us
Whether you have a domain inquiry, policy question, or would like to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
If you have any questions, please reach out and we’ll respond as soon as possible. Please provide as much information as possible.
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FairWinds Partners
3069 Canal St, NW
Washington, DC 20007
FairWinds’s home office is the 1850s aptly named “Old Mule House.” Located along the tow path of the C&O Canal in Georgetown, our building once housed mules that were used to drag barges to and from the Potomac River.
FairWinds Partners Operations
1100 15th St, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Why FairWinds?
During the 2012 application round, FairWinds advised clients, including Fortune 500 corporations, non-profit organizations, and cutting-edge digital brands, and successfully completed 135 new gTLD applications for them.
Interested in learning more and staying up to date? Contact us or refer to our blog and/or webinar pages to stay connected.