New gTLD Services
About New gTLDs
Beginning in January 2012, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will be accepting applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs), the extensions that come to the right of the "dot" in domains names. Currently, the Internet's domain name space consists of 22 gTLDs, including .COM, .NET and .ORG, and around 250 country-code TLDs like .UK and .JP.
New gTLDs will present unprecedented opportunities and challenges for brand owners. Some may choose to apply for one or more of their own gTLDs, while others will find this is not the best move for their brands. All companies across all industries, though, will have to adapt their digital strategies to accommodate new gTLDs in order to better promote and protect their brands in the expanded domain name space.
Our Team
Every company requires recommendations and advice tailored to its individual needs and business goals. FairWinds’ team is comprised of marketing, brand protection, and ICANN experts with years of experience advising the world’s leading brands on domain name strategy. This experience has shaped the analytical, quantitative and objective approach by which we make targeted, strategic new gTLD recommendations for each client. We have also formed partnerships with experts in registry and registrar operations, ICANN processes, global marketing, and technology allow us to deliver the leading scalable and trusted solutions.
During the application strategy and preparation phase, FairWinds will tap into Pharos Global's expansive expertise about the inner workings of ICANN and experience working with registries on previous ICANN-approved gTLDs. Pharos Global is led by Michael Palage, who has formerly served as Chair of the Registrar Constituency, ICANN Board Director and Chair of ICANN's High Security Zone TLD Advisory Group. As a member of the FairWinds team and as a seasoned IP attorney, Palage contributes valuable insider perspective that helps us guide clients through a successful application process. He is also recognized as one of the world's foremost experts on dealing with potential contention and objection issues, in addition to all ICANN-related matters downstream from registry contracting.
Our gTLD Services
FairWinds offers a full suite of new gTLD consulting services that go beyond application preparation. We advise clients from the initial strategy formation all the way through successfully launching and operating the new gTLD registry and maintaining the ongoing relationship with ICANN, empowering clients to make the best choices in order to thrive in this new environment.
- We begin by educating clients on the breadth of new opportunities and challenges presented by new gTLDs so that they are able to make informed decisions for their brands
- We then analyze those opportunities and challenges, providing an unbiased, fact-based assessment of all the reasons for and against applying for a branded or category-term gTLD
- We devise a comprehensive strategy for how to use the gTLD and select vendor partners that meet all technical requirements to execute on that strategy
- We prepare the new gTLD application to meet the client’s technical, operational, marketing and legal requirements and ensure compliance with ICANN’s rules for the life of the registry
- We collaborate with the client to select a registry infrastructure provider and ensure the registry is set up in accordance with the client’s strategy for using the gTLD
- We serve as an ongoing liaison with ICANN to fulfill all ICANN requirements and advocate the client’s interests in ongoing policy development
- We assist in developing a hierarchical and intuitive naming structure that meets the client’s legal, marketing, branding and technical requirements to build consumer recognition while minimizing costs
FairWinds also offers an Application Review service to provide new gTLD applicants with the confidence that their applications are as strong as they can be. The Application Review is customizable and can range from a quick assessment of specific application questions, to a comprehensive, full-scale evaluation of an entire application. FairWinds will accept new gTLD applications for review up until March 12; after that point, FairWinds will only accept applications for partial review, or full review on a case-by-case basis, up until April 6.
For more information on FairWinds' new gTLD services, email info@fairwindspartners.com. Also visit our blog, gTLDStrategy.com, where we set the record straight on questions brand owners have about new gTLDs, and keep readers up to date on the latest policy developments from ICANN.
