Why most brands don’t need to apply for a new TLD strictly for defensive reasons.
One of the more perplexing commonly held beliefs about new TLDs is that brands need to apply for one merely to protect their brand.
This false notion is due to both a lack of understanding about the new top level domain rules and registry providers/consultants’ desires to not turn away potential business.
But explaining this to a brand owner in a clear and simple way is not easy. Now there’s a guide to help.
Domain Incite Pro has published a simple, straight-forward guide to explain why most brands don’t need to plunk down $185,000 to reserve a top level domain just to keep it out of the hands of cybersquatters.
The report explains the various objection measures a trademark holder can use to halt a new TLD in its tracks, why it’s unlikely someone with bad intentions would apply for a new TLD (or at least get approved), and how technical barriers to running a TLD will eliminate most bad actors.
If, after reading the report, brands still want to apply for a domain solely for defensive purposes, Domain Incite explains how companies can do it for a lost less than the $185,000 application fee.
Finally, the report explains why a few select brands should actually consider defensively applying for a .brand TLD.
I highly recommend it for brand owners considering applying for a new TLD. The report is part of a subscription service, but it’s affordable.
JM says
I think a lot of brand owners are aware of their enforcement options but the real feeling is not wanting to get left behind.
The way it stands, ICANN (and consultants) has put a gun to brand owners heads by saying they don’t know when the next application period. Therefore, if the brand owner does not apply now but their competitor does (and the TLD takes off) then those that did not apply may have to wait years before being able to do so.
This is a huge sales tactic by TLD vendors in scaring brand owners into applying for TLDs they don’t need.