ICANN's Next gTLD Application Window
What to expect from the upcoming new gTLD application round
Current Status of Next Round Planning
After the groundbreaking 2012 New gTLD Program, ICANN has been working on opening a second application round for new generic top-level domains. This process has involved extensive community input, policy development, and operational readiness assessment to address lessons learned from the first round.
The next round is often referred to as the "Subsequent Procedures" round or "SubPro" round, based on the working group that developed many of the policy recommendations. As of 2025, ICANN is in the final stages of preparation, with an application window expected to open in 2026-2027.
Latest Update
ICANN's Board approved the implementation of the Subsequent Procedures recommendations in 2023. The ICANN organization is now working on developing the Applicant Guidebook and technical systems for the next round. Regular updates are provided at ICANN public meetings and through official communications.
SubPro Working Group Recommendations
What is SubPro?
The Subsequent Procedures Policy Development Process (SubPro PDP) was a multi-year effort by ICANN's Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) to develop policy recommendations for future gTLD application rounds. The working group included representatives from registries, registrars, intellectual property constituencies, civil society, governments, and at-large community members.
Key Areas Addressed
The SubPro Final Report, completed in 2020, addressed dozens of topics across multiple areas:
Application Process
- • Simplified application procedures
- • Clearer evaluation criteria
- • Improved predictability of outcomes
- • Streamlined string similarity review
Applicant Support
- • Enhanced financial assistance programs
- • Technical and operational support
- • Capacity building initiatives
- • Targeted outreach to underserved regions
Dispute Resolution
- • Refined objection procedures
- • Community priority evaluation improvements
- • Rights Protection Mechanisms (RPMs)
- • Clarified standing requirements
Closed Generics
- • Presumption against closed generics
- • Exceptional circumstances framework
- • Public Interest Commitments (PICs)
- • Community input requirements
Geographic Names
- • Updated rules for city and region names
- • Government support requirements
- • Clarified capital city protections
- • Subnational geographic identifiers
Predictability Framework
- • Clearer rules and guidelines
- • Consistent evaluation standards
- • Transparent decision-making
- • Defined escalation procedures
Expected Timeline (Subject to Change)
2023-2024: Policy Implementation
ICANN Board approval of SubPro recommendations and beginning of implementation planning. Development of updated Applicant Guidebook and operational processes.
2024-2025: Operational Readiness
Building technical infrastructure, establishing evaluation panels, finalizing procedures, developing application systems, and conducting community consultations.
Late 2025 - Early 2026: Applicant Guidebook Release
Expected publication of the final Applicant Guidebook with complete application requirements, procedures, and fees. Likely followed by public comment period.
2026-2027: Application Window Opens
Tentative timeframe for application submission period. Exact dates will be announced well in advance to give prospective applicants adequate preparation time.
2027-2028+: Evaluation and Delegation
Application evaluation, objection resolution, contention resolution, and delegation of approved TLDs to the DNS root zone.
Note: These dates are estimates based on current information and may be adjusted as ICANN continues its preparation work. Check ICANN's official website and NewGTLD program page for the most current timeline information.
Proposed Changes from 2012 Round
Application Process Improvements
Simplified Application Questions
Streamlined application form with clearer questions, reduced redundancy, and better guidance on required documentation. Focus on demonstrating capability without excessive documentation burden.
More Predictable Evaluation
Clearer evaluation criteria and standards. Published examples of passing and failing responses. Consistent application of rules across all applications.
Improved String Similarity Review
Refined methodology for determining whether strings are confusingly similar. Better guidance on what constitutes visual or aural similarity.
Continuous Application Windows
Consideration of moving to a continuous or regularly scheduled application system after the initial next round, rather than long gaps between rounds.
Applicant Support Program Enhancements
Recognizing the limited success of the first Applicant Support Program, significant improvements are planned:
- Greater Fee Reductions: More substantial financial assistance for qualifying applicants
- Technical Support: Access to technical expertise and consulting services
- Pro Bono Services: Legal, technical, and business development support from volunteers
- Capacity Building: Training programs and workshops for prospective applicants
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing new applicants with experienced registry operators
- Regional Outreach: Targeted outreach to underserved regions and developing economies
- Simplified Qualification: Clearer criteria for determining eligibility for support
New Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Refined Objection Procedures
Clearer standing requirements for filing objections. Updated procedures for community objections with better definition of what constitutes a "community." Improved timelines for objection resolution.
Enhanced Rights Protection Mechanisms
Strengthened protections for trademark holders during application and launch phases. Improved Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) integration. Updated Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) and UDRP procedures.
Community Priority Evaluation Updates
Clarified criteria for demonstrating community establishment, nexus between community and string, and community support. Better balance between community and standard applications.
Closed Generics and Public Interest Considerations
The New Approach to Closed Generics
One of the most significant policy changes addresses the controversial issue of closed generic TLDs. The SubPro recommendations establish a new framework:
Presumption Against Closed Generics
There is now a presumption that generic strings should be operated as open TLDs, accessible to all qualified registrants. Single-entity operation of generic terms requires exceptional justification.
Exceptional Circumstances Framework
Applicants seeking to operate a generic TLD as closed must demonstrate:
- Compelling public interest justification
- Why open operation is not feasible
- Significant Public Interest Commitments (PICs)
- Community support or lack of opposition
- How closure serves broader internet users
Enhanced Public Interest Commitments
Applicants for sensitive strings or closed generics may need to make stronger PICs:
- Universal Access Provisions: Commitments to provide some level of public access or benefit
- Transparency Requirements: Regular public reporting on TLD usage and policies
- Anti-Abuse Measures: Enhanced security and abuse prevention commitments
- Price Caps: Commitments not to charge excessive prices (for applicable TLDs)
- Transition Plans: Provisions for transitioning to open operation in the future
Brand TLDs Remain Supported
Importantly, the restrictions on closed generics do not apply to brand names. Companies can still apply for and operate their brand names as closed TLDs under Specification 13, provided the string is clearly identified as a brand rather than a generic term.
How to Prepare for the Next Round
For Prospective Applicants
1. Strategic Planning (Start Now)
- • Define your TLD strategy: Why do you want a TLD?
- • Determine business model: Revenue generation or brand protection?
- • Identify target strings and alternatives
- • Assess market demand and competition
- • Build internal stakeholder support and budget approval
2. Financial Preparation
- • Budget for $185,000+ application fee (may increase)
- • Plan for additional costs: consulting, legal, technical ($200,000-$500,000)
- • Budget for ongoing operations: annual ICANN fees, infrastructure
- • Consider contention resolution costs (auctions can reach millions)
- • Secure funding or investment commitments
3. Technical Readiness
- • Evaluate backend registry providers (self-host vs outsource)
- • Plan technical infrastructure and redundancy
- • Ensure DNS expertise on team or through partners
- • Develop security and stability plans
- • Consider DNSSEC implementation requirements
4. Legal and Compliance
- • Engage experienced domain law counsel
- • Conduct trademark clearance searches
- • Assess potential objections and conflicts
- • Develop registration policies and terms of service
- • Plan Public Interest Commitments if applicable
5. Community Engagement
- • For community TLDs: build documented community support
- • For geographic TLDs: obtain government endorsement letters
- • Engage with relevant industry associations
- • Participate in ICANN public meetings and consultations
- • Build relationships with potential registrars
6. Stay Informed
- • Monitor ICANN announcements and updates
- • Subscribe to ICANN mailing lists related to new gTLDs
- • Attend ICANN public meetings and webinars
- • Review draft Applicant Guidebook when published
- • Join industry associations and working groups
Resources for Potential Applicants
Official ICANN Resources
- New gTLD Program Website: https://newgtlds.icann.org/ - Central hub for all information
- SubPro Final Report: https://gnso.icann.org/en/group-activities/active/new-gtld-subsequent-procedures
- ICANN Public Meetings: Attend sessions on new gTLD implementation
- ICANN Academy: Training resources on DNS and registry operations
Community and Industry Organizations
- Registry Stakeholder Group (RySG): Association of gTLD registry operators
- Registrar Stakeholder Group (RrSG): Association of ICANN-accredited registrars
- At-Large Community: Represents individual internet users
- Regional Internet Registries (RIRs): Organizations managing IP address allocation
Professional Services
- Application Consultants: Firms specializing in gTLD application development
- Backend Registry Providers: Technical infrastructure and operations services
- Legal Counsel: Domain law specialists with gTLD application experience
- Financial Advisors: Help with business planning and funding
Key Considerations Before Applying
Strategic Questions to Answer
Business Model Viability
- • Can you achieve sufficient registrations to cover costs?
- • What is your pricing strategy?
- • How will you compete with established TLDs?
- • What is your marketing and launch strategy?
Long-Term Commitment
- • Are you prepared for 10+ year commitment?
- • Do you have sustainable funding?
- • What is your succession/exit strategy?
- • How will you handle market changes?
Competitive Landscape
- • Are others likely to apply for the same string?
- • Can you win or afford contention resolution?
- • Are there existing TLDs serving your target market?
- • What is your unique value proposition?
Operational Capacity
- • Do you have technical expertise in-house or through partners?
- • Can you meet ICANN's operational and reporting requirements?
- • Do you have compliance and abuse prevention capabilities?
- • Can you maintain 24/7 operations and support?
Red Flags and Risk Factors
- Trademark Conflicts: Your desired string conflicts with major trademarks
- Geographic Sensitivities: String represents a geographic area without government support
- Community Opposition: Established communities object to your application
- High Competition: Many strong applicants for same string
- Unclear Business Model: No viable path to financial sustainability
- Insufficient Resources: Cannot afford total costs or sustain operations
What's Different This Time
Lessons Applied
The next round benefits from over a decade of experience operating new gTLDs:
- Proven Backend Providers: Mature ecosystem of technical service providers
- Market Understanding: Better data on what works and what doesn't
- Registrar Readiness: Registrars experienced with new TLD launches
- Clearer Policies: Refined rules based on real-world experience
- Established Precedents: Case law and decisions guiding future outcomes
Market Realities
Applicants should be realistic about market conditions:
- .com remains dominant for general-purpose domains
- Success more likely with niche, industry-specific, or geographic focus
- Brand TLDs achieve strategic goals even without public registrations
- Restricted/verified TLDs (.bank, .insurance) can command premium positioning
- Marketing and community building are crucial for success
Key Takeaways
- •Next gTLD application window expected to open in 2026-2027 after extensive policy development
- •SubPro recommendations address lessons learned including applicant support, predictability, and closed generics
- •New presumption against closed generic TLDs with exceptions requiring strong public interest justification
- •Enhanced applicant support program aims to improve accessibility for underserved regions
- •Prospective applicants should begin strategic planning, financial preparation, and technical readiness now