InterNIC FAQs on New Top-Level Domains

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The following is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new top-level domains (TLDs) that are being introduced to the Internet. This list will be updated frequently; please check back often.

What is the status of ICANN's New TLD Program?

ICANN is working to add seven new TLDs to the Internet's domain-name system. In November 2000, after extensive discussions throughout the global Internet community, the ICANN Board selected seven TLD proposals to be included in the first addition of a global TLD to the Internet since the 1980s. The selected TLDs are: .aero (for the air-transport industry), .biz (for businesses), .coop (for cooperatives), .info (for all uses), .museum (for museums), .name (for individuals), and .pro (for professions).

• .biz is already fully operational and accepting live registrations. For more information on these .biz, please visit the website of NeuLevel, Inc., the company selected to operate this new TLD: <http://www.nic.biz/>.
  
  
• .info is also fully operational and accepting live registrations. More info on .info registration is availble at the website of the .info registry operator, Afilias Limited, at <http://www.nic.info/>.
  
  
• .name is fully operational and accepting live registrations. The company selected to operate .name, Global Name Registry, has posted an informational page at <http://www.nic.name/>.
  
  
• .museum is also operational. The .museum TLD is sponsored by Museum Domain Management Association (MuseDoma). MuseDoma's informational site can be located at <http://www.nic.museum/>.
  
  
• .coop is operational. The .coop TLD is sponsored by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). An informational site for .coop is available at <http://www.nic.coop/>.
  
  
• .aero is operational and is sponsored by Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques SC (SITA). For more information on .aero, please visit <http://www.nic.aero>.
  
  
• The .pro registry agreement is still under negotiation. More information on .pro is available at the website of the registry operator, RegistryPro, Ltd., at <http://www.registrypro.com>.
  
  

Where do I register a .aero, .biz, .coop, .info, .museum, .name, or .pro domain name?

Domain names in these TLDs can only be registered through ICANN-accredited registrars and their resellers. Over 100 registrars have already signed new accreditation agreements making them eligible to register in the .biz, .info and .name TLDs. A list of accredited registrars is on the InterNIC website at <http://www.internic.net/regist.html>.

How can I protect my trademark in the New TLDs?

You should consult your attorneys for advice regarding intellectual property issues in the new TLDs. All of the new TLDs are subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (often referred to as the "UDRP"). Also, each new TLD has established procedures to minimize customer confusion and cybersquatting by allowing trademark holders to assert rights to their trademarks in the new TLDs before registrations were opened to the general public.

For more detailed information about intellectual property protections in the new TLDs, please visit the registry operators' websites (above.)