Google chose a ".com" again, instead of its ".GOOGLE" dotBrand new gTLD.

Google just launched its Artificial Intelligence engine and it is named "Bard". Surprisingly, Google decided to use a third level domain from its Google.com to launch this new service when it could have used its own .BRAND Top-Level Domain.

Bard can be tried at https://bard.google.com

What about Bard.google?

Well, first, at the date of this post's publication, it does not work and points to an error. Let's have a little imagination and read the front page of this product, it says; "Bard is an experiment and may give inaccurate or inappropriate responses. You can help make Bard better by leaving feedback."

Considering that it is an "experiment", let's hope that using a subdomain for such a big project is part of the experiment. I will definitely leave a feedback.

UPDATE: the .MEET new gTLD

Just updated (27 April 2020)

Would Google be preparing the "After Covid-19" period with this update on the .MEET new gTLD? This is what the ICANN just published for the .MEET new gTLD Sunrise Period:

• Sunrise Period: 25 May 2020 to 24 Jun 2020;
• Trademark Claims Period: 25 Jun 2020.

Strange

Surprisingly - and again, I think I have an idea but I wish that someone else could explain this - the official application is pointing to the .MEET application from Afilias: a competitor of Google Registry: both are Registries and Back end Registry solution providers so I guess that .MEET is probably not going to use Afilias' platform for its operations. 

What the application says

I will get back on this if I have an explanation but I extracted the content below from the application from Afilias since it is the only one available:

There is currently a proliferation of online dating and companionship services on the Internet. Research shows that there are over 1,500 Internet dating sites in the U.S. alone, creating confusing choices for consumers. Most consumers do not have the time, money, or desire to use the services of more than a few dating services. As a result of this fragmented industry, consumers have limited choices of people to select from when they seek their ideal date or the perfect companion.

The purpose of .MEET is to create an Internet namespace which could be used by visionary entrepreneurs and⁄or the existing online dating and companionship matching providers to become the gathering place on the Internet for many of the more than 40 million online companionship seekers.

This new online namespace could be used to create a .MEET portal destination to facilitate the creation of secure, confidential and easily accessible Internet identities to enable Internet users to find registrars to become registrants of .MEET.

.MEET domains could also appeal to organizations supporting the online dating and companion industry. Online dating and companionship services may be interested in obtaining a .MEET domain to differentiate their services from other businesses that are now using a .COM, .NET, .INFO or other all-purpose TLD.

Registrars could collaborate with leading industry vendors to create new and never-before possible services to leverage the unique and easily identifiable .MEET registrant. Using existing or new offerings, .MEET registrants may want to create personalized, secure and anonymous Internet identities to make themselves easily discoverable by the entire universe of online relationship seekers.

The .MEET domain name and the registrants that obtain the .MEET TLD would help to catalyze a more efficient online dating and companionship service on the Internet. Using simple match-making features, large numbers of .MEET registrants, over time, could motivate visionary entrepreneurs or a visionary industry player to provide a more complete, market-driven service for consumers.

People would quickly come to know that others are actively seeking relationships and they can become easily discoverable under a .MEET domain. Over time, facilitated by new apps and virtual communities, visionary entrepreneurs, registrars and new and existing industry players, using proven social media capabilities, could help .MEET registrants to create more and better content to expand the size of the virtual community they serve. As the .MEET TLD is increasingly adopted and content accrues, search engines could modify their algorithms to specifically target .MEET sites and content, making the TLD even more accessible, relevant and useful. Due to these dynamics, we anticipate that we could have 15,000 domains under management (DUMs) after three years.

Now more simple to find a new gTLD

Super happy to announce that my fix to properly recognize new gTLDs is now live in the Google app and search bar on Android. Upgrade to today's release, type in a domain on a new gTLD, and it'll immediately go to that domain (like desktop Chrome does) rather than searching it.

— Ben McIlwain (@CydeWeys) July 9, 2019

The .DEV early access program starts February 19th

There are lots of domain choices these days, and now with .dev there's a space dedicated for developers. Because .dev is a brand new top-level domain, there are lots of great domains available.

Starting February 19th Google Domains will be offering early access to .dev domains. This means you can secure your .dev domain before general availability with a one-time early access fee. Create a calendar reminder to ensure you get your .dev domain before someone else does.

Learn more here.

The .DEV Sunrise Period starts

The Trademark Clearinghouse announces the Sunrise Period for .DEV domain names. The Sunrise Period starts today.

WHEN

• START: Wednesday, 16 January, 2019;
• END: Tuesday, 19 February, 2019.

WHAT

The .DEV new gTLD is for developers and is the property of Google (Charleston Road Registry). The positive thing about these domain names is that they have to be secured to work properly. the official applications says:

"The proposed gTLD will provide Google with direct association to the term ʺdev,ʺ which is an abbreviation of the word, ʺdevelopment.ʺ The mission of this gTLD, .dev, is to provide a dedicated domain space in which Google can enact second-level domains specific to its projects in development. Specifically, the new gTLD will provide Google with greater ability to create a custom portal for employees to manage products and services in development."

FOR INFORMATION

For information, the .INC Sunrise Period, previously announced to start today was postponed to Wednesday, 27 March, 2019 - 16:00.

Check the Trademark Clearinghouse calendar for more.

The .NEW new gTLD is here

Introducing a ✨ .new ✨ time-saving trick for users. Type any of these .new domains to instantly create Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites or Forms ↓ pic.twitter.com/erMTHOsdyH

— Google Docs (@googledocs) October 25, 2018

Why we're adding .APP to our new gTLD report

The "new gTLD reports" are monthly snapshots of new domain name registration volumes according to specific categories of businesses or groups and three of these reports are "special".

3 new gTLD reports are "indicators"
In our list of 17 reports, 3 are slightly different from the 14 others:

1. The report related to Companies lists the gTLDs in which we believe a company should register its name or trademark with;
2. The Singular VS Plural reports lists registration volumes but more important, it lists the TLDs that do exist in two versions: singular and plural (ie: ".accountant" and ".accountants";
3. The Multiple Registries one is an indicator of volumes registered from a group to have acquired several domain name extensions.

Why we're adding .APP to our report for Companies

There are several reasons for this:

• The cloud application market was valued at $ 52.605 billion in 2017 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 14% over the forecast period to reach $115.71 billion by 2023. If numbers remain number, it still means that it is expanding fast. In more simple words, "apps" are adopted and chances are high that more companies either decide to point their website visitors to an application, or even create theirs;
• Domain names ending in ".app" were massively registered during their General Availability Period and when this happens, the risk increases for a Trademark to have its name squatted; so $20/year to block this from happening is not a prohibitive investment;
• It is multilingual: you say "app" to qualify an application is many languages worldwide;
• It's a memorable TLD if you are in the application development business;
• A SSL certificate is mandatory to use a ".app" domain name and SSL is a sign that security is increased on such a website: demonstration of security increases trust in a company;
• It's cheap and when domain names are cheap, potential users tend to buy them more and install them;
• It can be free: we acquired jovenet.app for free (for its first year of registration).

Companies are not concerned by all new extensions but a certain number them. The number one reason why we believe that .APP should be added to our list is that companies are coming to the use of applications and informing about it on a domain name ending in ".app" demonstrates innovation. Of course, application developers are more concerned by this statement.

A hidden reason

There's another hidden reason actually why we think that companies should secure their ".app" domain name...but this one...well, this is what we think: Google operates the .APP new gTLD and it is also a search engine; not "a" search engine actually but "the" search engine most of the world uses. Google decides what can be best indexed on its own platform. When informing about a content related to applications AND using a SSL certified website (recently advertised by Google to give a ranking boost to secure https/ssl websites), we think that using a ".app" domain name will rank better in search engine results.

The latest new gTLD report for Companies is available here.

How to index a redirection in Google?

I just hit "site:.sncf" to try to find out which are the two new domain names ending in ".sncf" which were just created and I found nothing new but www.wifi.sncf. The picture below is what appears, indexed in Google:

I clicked on it and noticed (again) that it is a redirection.

Question to Bill Hartzer (@bhartzer) : how do you index a redirection in Google?

The .APP (and .DEV) new gTLD was announced

The highly awaited .APP new gTLD is coming. As a reminder, this Top-Level Domain was won in an ICANN auction by Google for $25,000,000 in 2015:

1. Sunrise Period: 29 March 2018 to 30 April 2018;
2. Trademark Claims Period: 01 May 2018;
3. Qualified Launch Program: 27 Feb 2018 to 30 Apr 2018.

Learn more here.

The .DEV new gTLD is probably coming too but I could not find the official information but some details but in the recent consolidated .APP & .DEV policies.

Reminder: the .APP new gTLD is not just a simple domain name extension. You won't be able to do whatever you want with these domain names: surprise coming.

Free SSL with Goggle Suite

Users of "Google Sites", from the Google Suite of applications from Google, were just informed that they can now map their domain name to the new version of Google Sites.

The Good news: all users with a personal domain name are upgraded with a SSL certificate. No complex setup, no price increase, no blabla crap. Thank you Google.

.SEARCH new gTLD coming...from Google

Charleston Road Registry, the legal entity belonging to Google in charge to create/launch its TLDs, has three extensions coming to the market:

1. The .SEARCH new gTLD;
2. .MAP
3. .PHD

(Amazon also applied for .MAP and .SEARCH but applications were withdrawn in the end).

Google is about "search": isn't it?

This domain name extension comes late in the ICANN new gTLD program and there is a reason for this but what matters is what use is Google to have of ".search" domain names.

What the application says

Extracted from the application submitted to the ICANN:

The mission of the proposed gTLD, .search, is to provide a domain name space that makes it easier for Internet users to locate and make use of the search functionality of their choice. The proposed gTLD will open possibilities for new, more convenient ways for Internet users to navigate to the services they like and use.

Most of the time, the purpose of the extension is explained in question 18 A from the application ("Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD") but it is in the following question (18 B) of that Google explains in one line how ".search" domains will be used:

The goal of the proposed gTLD is to provide a space dedicated to Internet search offerings, and to make it easier for users to access the search functionality of their choice. The proposed gTLD will signal to the general population of Internet users that .search websites are indeed websites that offer search functionality, and adhere to basic technical standards.

Shoot in the feet?
When you are the number one search engine worldwide, do you want to offer a tool to incite others to start building search engines? I seriously doubt it and maybe this sentences extracted from the application gives more info about the real use ".search" registrants will be able to have of their domain name:

Charleston Road Registry plans to develop and publish eligibility criteria for all registrants in the proposed gTLD and will work with its registrars to execute the eligibility verification process. This process will imbue additional meaning to all second-level domains in the gTLD and enhance the gTLD’s reputation by establishing an authoritative community of websites that offer search functionality. When Internet users visit a website in the proposed gTLD environment, they will be able to reliably expect services relevant to the proposed gTLD.

Will this be a restriction? It is a little unclear to me but

Innovation

Again, some sentences are unclear but innovation seems to be around the corner:

The .search gTLD will provide a new mechanism whereby websites with search functionality can enact second-level domains that offer search-related services. This signification is not currently available in the gTLD space.

...it provides a simple technical standard describing how users and other software can interact with search functionality within the TLD.

Even more importantly, a consistent query interface across all search websites in the TLD makes it easier for third-party developers to create new and innovative services that will allow users to interact with search functionality in new and creative ways.

Trademarks

Charleston Road Registry will also develop policies to limit registrations within the domain to the names that registrants commonly use in trade related to their provision of search-related services, possibly including restricting registrations to exact matches of trademarks.

Technical requirements
Here we are, it appears that registering a ".search" domain name will not be as simple as registering a ".club":

Charleston Road Registry will implement a validation service to verify compliance with these technical requirements.

Check 18.b.iv. Registration Policies from the application "TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION WITHIN THE .SEARCH GTLD" for details.

Interesting too:

Supplying Google account information will be optional for registrants.

I understand from this sentence that it will be possible to connect a ".search" domain names to Google' services.

(My) conclusion
I am a fan of Google's products and I use them everyday. I like this last idea to be able to supply my Google account information to a ".search" domain name because it will probably help one develop his business: few know much about coding so if connecting a Google account to a ".search" domain can save time developing a search engine, it adds credibility to this Registry's project. I don't think Google is selling ".search" domains for money and even if the application does not say it explicitly, the ".search" Registry looks like it is a restricted one so I expect content to be found on ".search" websites...not to be crap. A candidate to the Verified Top-Level Domains (vTLD) Consortium maybe?

Google.search coming? Probably...but I don't expect Google.com to change to Google.search :-)

.FORUM in test with Google?

We like to speculate on new gTLDs, don't we? The .FORUM new gTLD is brought to market by Top Level Spectrum, the registry operator behind .forum, .realty, and a suite of industry-specific domains. It is what the front page of the Registry says.

Was it acquired by Google?
The reason why I publish this post is that ".forum" domain names are not yet available for registration and the list of Registrars, on the Registry's website, is empty.

The .FORUM new gTLD is, like .CONTACT or .EMAIL, an extension in which we believe, will be successful.

In Test
Two pages (different from the "nic") are indexed in Google:

1. A Google page: http://domaintest.forum/
2. And a redirection pointing to a page with no content: smarterinternet.forum.

The question is: why is the only proper indexed page on Google one belonging to Google?

That old post I just noticed about Nomulus

IP Twins is a popular French law firm to offer a full-package of domain name related services (registration, search, audit and monitoring), web services (web content search, audit and monitoring, AdWords™, auctions) and IP services (consulting, TMCH, new gTLDs applications).

This company is typically the kind of law firm to offer its clients a .BRAND new gTLD solution for the next round of the ICANN new gTLD program.

I just noted this post about Nomulus, pointing to my article following the Nomulus announcement from Google and I appreciate to be quoted in it actually.

Another good read that I just posted.

dotBRAND new gTLDs: is Nomulus the Answer?

Google announced Nomulus: a tool to operate a new generic Top-Level Domains technically. In the world of new gTLDs, this announcement sounds like it is going to replace, or come as an alternative to backend registries. It could, but this sounding is incomplete.

Read why Nomulus could or could not be a solution

Update on new gTLDs' registration volumes:

• New gTLDs related to CATERING;
• New gTLDs related to CITIES (hot);
• New gTLDs related to PHOTOGRAPHY.

Tonight's new gTLDs' Newsletter: subscribe here.

What you missed in our previous Newsletter:

1. ICANN files motion to dismiss Donuts’ .Web lawsuit;
2. Cost of Donuts’ DPML trademark protection service to soar;
3. .CLUB注册局已不再保留删除和掉落域名！
4. Root Stability Study Draft Report Available;
5. ICANN to terminate Guardian’s last gTLD;
6. Registered Participants of the Global Internet and Jurisdiction Conference;
7. Real estate terms sell for big bucks in .nyc domain name auction;
8. KSK Rollover Operations Begin;
9. Is Nomulus the Answer?
   Google announced Nomulus: a tool to operate a new generic Top-Level Domains technically. In the world of new gTLDs, this announcement sounds like it is going to replace, or come as an alternative to backend registries. It could, but this sounding is incomplete:
1. Understanding how it works;
2. What about Nomulus?
3. Facts;
4. Patience is a virtue.

Most recent Trademark Clearinghouse Sunrise Period announcements

.AND for Google?

Round 1 of the ICANN new gTLD program

Google submitted an application for the .AND new generic Top-Level domain in the first Round of the ICANN new gTLD program but the methodology to apply - the "Applicant Guidebook" - did not allow Google to since ISO alpha 3 codes (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3) were prohibited as new gTLDs.

Charleston Road Registry INC, the Google's company dedicated to creating and managing new gTLDs for Google, had to withdraw the .AND application.

Round 2 of the ICANN new gTLD program

No one knows when Round 2 of the ICANN new gTLD program starts but I just read the latest GNSO Council Review of the Helsinki GAC Communiqué and noted this paragraph (point 4, page 6):
"Use of 3-letter codes in the ISO-3166 list as gTLDs in future rounds".

Basically it states that "the GAC advises the ICANN Board to:

1. encourage the community to continue in depth analyses and discussions on all aspects related to a potential use of 3-letter codes in the ISO-3166 list as gTLDs in future rounds, in particular with regard to whether such a potential use is considered to be in the public interest or not.
2. keep current protections in place for 3-letter codes in the ISO-3166 list in place and not to lift these unless future in-depth discussions involving the GAC and the other ICANN constituencies would lead to a consensus that use of these 3-letter codes as TLDs would be in the public interest.

The RATIONALE states: "In view of the intense debates and controversies over the use of geographic names in new gTLDs, the GAC requests that the community does not rush into a removal of the Applicant Guidebook protection of ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 codes".

Of course, there is a lot more being said and I suggest to read the Communiqué but this question opens the door to the possibility that Google could submit a .AND new gTLD application again in Rond 2

By the way, what does "AND" stand for?

No worry...it is just Andorra: the cheapest place to buy cigarettes and alcohol on earth ;-)

Is The Future of Norman in .YOUTUBE ?

Most French know who Norman and Cyprien are. They are two funny persons doing funny videos on YouTube. They are a lot to do this on Internet actually, so in fact, this post is for anybody who has a big audience (page views) on YouTube.

If I personally like both of them, I need to select one of them for my example below so I'll use...Norman.

The ".YOUTUBE" extension

The .YOUTUBE new gTLD, from Google, was delegated in August 2014. At the moment, it is still not really in use and Google gives no info about its plans for its new domain name extensions. I found a "gaming.youtube" indexed in Google but it does not point to anything.

Question 18(a)

The question 18(a) of the ICANN new gTLD application is informative and sometimes gives an idea of the Registry's future plan to develop its domain name extension. Here is what the application says:

The proposed gTLD will introduce a dedicated Internet space in which select YouTube channel providers can link to the content hosted on their respective YouTube page.

Question 18(b)

Point 18.b.i.1 says:

Charleston Road Registry (Google) intends to apply for an exemption to ICANN’s Registry Operator Code of Conduct and operate the proposed gTLD with Google as the sole registrar and registrant.

This means that Google will own all domain names.

But point 18.b.ii.2 also says:

The .youtube gTLD will provide select registrants with the opportunity to differentiate their YouTube video offerings from other media distribution services by virtue of its branded gTLD.

It remains unclear how Google will select third parties to be allowed to use ".youtube" domains but ...

...Point 18.b.ii.3 says:

The concentration of Internet users seeking digital video content in the .youtube gTLD space, moreover, will likely invite user comparison among second-level domain sites, encouraging second-level domain registrant content innovation as a point of differentiation.

This is to me a clear sign that the future of ".youtube" domain names is to become available to anybody having a YouTube page.

Point 18.b.iv confirms that:

Given the proposed limited scope and use of the gTLD, Charleston Road Registry believes that there is a reasonable case for such an exemption. Should ICANN not condone this proposed exemption, Charleston Road Registry will make access to Registry Services, including the shared registration system, available to all ICANN-accredited registrars.

Google keeps repeating that it will be sole Registrant (sole owner of ".youtube" domain names) but then, why add things like: "Charleston Road Registry will attempt to prevent the misuse of WHOIS data for improper purposes such as spam, intellectual property theft or phishing." or "Google will follow ICANN rules for attributions of trademarked second-level domains and will offer other protections for trademark owners, including but not limited to an extended Trademark Claims Service of indefinite length"?

What does it mean for Norman and Cyprien?

If it is totally impossible to say when this happens, it is possible to give an idea of what it means for end users with audience.

Norman posts his videos on an ultra long and ugly URL. People visit https://www.youtube.com/user/NormanFaitDesVideos to watch his shows so...would Norman become a "selected content distributor", and would he own a Trademark (or not), he might be able to use a http://norman.youtube domain name. Nicer isn't it?

The new gTLD info for Thursday, March 31st

This is the recap of the day for new gTLDs NEWS. We added info from yesterday as we could not post anything. There is a petition to develop a new geographic/community TLD.
We have seen many projects of this kind in Round one of the ICANN new gTLD program and we hope a funding will be found. We faced this stage of a new gTLD project when hunting for money for the dotVinum project in Round one. It really is the hardest part: not to forget that this TLD could already be added to the list of an ultra rich applicant preparing for Round 2...

The problem with initiating such communication so early is that it gives ideas to others: when the first .WINE and .GREEN projects were launched, they thought that they would be alone to submit their application.

1. Trademark Clearinghouse: the .TUBE new gTLD Sunrise Period was just announced;
2. New - The .SRD new gTLD project was added to the list of projects for Round 2 of the ICANN new gTLd program on Registries.tel;
3. Report - new gTLDs related to SPORT (the Wednesday Thursday UPDATE);
4. Another monthly Newsletter from Registrar, which includes section on new gTLDs;
5. China wants to block domain names outside the country (...);
6. Search Engine - a new search engine to use new domain names "only";
7. New gTLD applicant offers $5 Million to buy 4 other new gTLDs;
8. Strange - A new way to search and follow the News;
9. Wine - The .GALLO new gTLD is launched, as well as the .BAREFOOT: did you know that Barefoot uses the word "Champagne" on its wine stickers? ;-)
10. Online Branding strategy and new gTLDs;
11. 1,372 domain name extensions are on the market if you include ccTLDs;
12. Google Domains still not available in other countries but...changed to new .GOOGLE domain;
13. 53% Of New gTLD Are Registered In China;
14. Article: How Are the New gTLDs Truly Faring?
15. More coming.

The Nameshield Group: Registry, Corporate and Retail Registrar

The new gTLD info for Monday the 22nd

Sad week for CEO of Minds and Machines. M+M is the first - I like to call them - "Multiple Registry" to have generated a serious buzz around new gTLD projects. I have a lot of respect for the work of that person who was among the first of new gTLD applicants to have understood that innovation would make the difference bringing so many new extensions to the market.

1. Charismatic CEO of multiple Registry fired;
2. A French petition on a .LOL domain names generates 206 000 signatures;
3. The weekly French new gTLD report by Nameshield;
4. Must laugh: "do you/why don't you use domain hacks?" (Wrong speech about new gTLDs);
5. Examples of how new domain names are used (examples of new websites);
6. New domain names: the Chinese demand;
7. New gTLDs: a tool for CMOs;
8. Issue related to a new gtld domain name (.solutions) on Google Apps for Work;
9. More coming on the Newsletter.

The Nameshield Group: Registry, Corporate and Retail Registrar

Most recent Trademark Clearinghouse Sunrise Period announcements

The new gTLD info of the day (Tuesday)

Today, there is new gTLD information about Google's position on new gTLDs, domains endingin .BUZZ, a great infographic, an author who wrote a book about the Trademark Clearinghouse, search engine positioning and new gTLDs, new domain registration volumes and more added during the day. Please subscribe to gTLD.club to receive the info n your email.

1. Google's latest position on new TLDs;
2. .BUZZ: New Top Level Domains Trending at Conference;
3. Do you know all domain endings? From .com to .whatever;
4. Someone wrote a book about the trademark Clearinghouse;
5. SEO History Helps to Understand the Brand TLD Future;
6. This week’s new TLDs;
7. New gTLD Registry decides to layoff employees;
8. More coming during the day.

Subscribe to receive the Newsletter with links directly in your email.

The Nameshield Group: Registry, Corporate and Retail Registrar

Most recent Trademark Clearinghouse Sunrise Period announcements

UPDATE: the new gTLD info of the day (Friday)

Porn firm wins .cam after years of objections

The controversial new gTLD .cam has been won at auction by Dutch porn site operator AC Webconnecting, putting an end to over two years of back-and-forth objections.
http://domainincite.com/19723-porn-firm-wins-cam-after-years-of-objections

Verisign IDNs: Landrush details and Premium Domains
Verisign is getting ready to launch its first internationalized domain name, a Japanese transliteration of .com .コム.
http://domainnamewire.com/2015/12/18/verisign-idns-landrush-details-and-premium-domains/

Cheers! Registries and Registrars Doing the Right Thing by Patients
The good news? There are many registrars out there who take action and hold registrants accountable. The behavior of Rebel as discussed in the 2015 Notorious Market List is the exception, not the rule, at least when it comes to registry and registrar action against illegitimate online drug sellers. The majority of registries and registrars are doing the right thing by patients.
http://www.circleid.com/posts/20151218_cheers_registries_and_registrars_doing_the_right_thing_by_patients/

.MUSIC new gTLD
Imogen Heap wrote to ICANN
There are no other applicants willing to support and nurture our music community in the way DotMusic are bound to do so, should they win.https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/correspondence/heap-to-icann-eiu-16dec15-en.pdf

.feedback and .sucks: podcast
Invited to expand on their offerings, Top Level Spectrum CEO Jay Westerdal and Vox Populi CEO John Berard both joined us on the latest episode of the World Trademark Review podcast.
http://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/Blog/detail.aspx?g=7787177a-40c5-4d20-babb-adbddaf7baa2

Domain Name Industry Brief
The third quarter of 2015 closed with a base of approximately 299 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains (TLDs), an increase of 3.1 million domain names, or 1.1 percent over the second quarter of 2015. Registrations have grown by 14.8 million, or 5.2 percent, year over year.1
https://www.verisign.com/en_US/innovation/dnib/index.xhtml

Google confirms: Yes, you can switch to a new .melbourne domain without penalty
In the past, Google has been notoriously tight-lipped about the search performance of new TLDs, stating only that they will “not be treated any differently” than legacy TLDs such as .com and .net. This is despite independent research that has demonstrated some search benefits of new extensions and reports from businesses which have seen an increase in customers because of their new domain name.
http://live.melbourne/media-release/google-confirms-yes-you-can-switch-to-a-new-melbourne-domain-without-penalty/

What is a URL?
Is a URL the same as a domain name? Surprisingly to many, the answer is no. But the terms are used so interchangeably, it’s understandable why people confuse one for the other. But there is a difference.

https://www.verisign.com/en_US/domain-names/online/what-is-a-url/index.xhtml

How I just registered Twitter.sucks for free in just five clicks
This morning, I caused the registration of and was given control of a web site at twitter.sucks.
http://domainincite.com/19706-how-i-just-registered-twitter-sucks-for-free-in-just-five-clicks

Could a new gTLD help you achieve your business goals?
Consider what registrations in generic new gTLDs would make strategic sense, but also brainstorm whether your own .BRAND might be a good idea. It’s a long evaluation process that, to paraphrase Nao Matsukata, starts with one question: Would it solve a problem for you?
http://blog.fairwindspartners.com/gtld-basics/creating-a-strong-domain-name-portfolio

CentralNic’s growing very rapidly
CentralNic CEO, Ben Crawford discusses the company’s involvement in Alphabet’s “.xyz” domain name and how they’re performing compared to the “GoDaddy’s of the world.”
http://cnb.cx/1PcMofE

Going on Holidays?
http://visit.rio/

.XYZ Registry Reports Nearly All 5 Number Domains Sold Out
Daniel Negari, CEO of the .xyz registry has reported to TheDomains.com that there are less than 10,000 five number .xyz domain name combinations left before they are all registered!
http://www.thedomains.com/2015/12/17/xyz-registry-reports-nearly-all-5-number-domains-sold-out/

Domain Management Starter Guide: Strategy, Policies and Procedures
The bad news is domain management pain will aggravate further as the Top Level Domain (TLD) space expands from 22 (.com, .net, .org etc.) to 1,000+ TLDs (.news, .tech, .bank etc.), resulting from ICANN's domain name expansion program.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/domain-management-starter-guide-strategy-policies-andre-forrester

The Nameshield Group: Registry, Corporate and Retail Registrar

Most recent Trademark Clearinghouse Sunrise Period announcements