Some applicants applied twice for the same TLD

I had noticed an applicant applied twice for the same domain name extension (new gTLD). Participating in this discussion, I learn there are more.

Why would someone apply twice for the same Top-Level Domain? When the cost of submitting an application is USD 185 000, it cannot be a mistake.

Two applications were submitted for:

• .MLS
• .SHOP
• .MERCK

I did not check for more (it is possible there are more) but it appears these 3 were submitted as Standard and Community applications. I believe the reason for this is to ensure the application would be won by the applicant.

Could there be another strategy behind?

A second applicant for .MLS ?

According to info found on .nxt (News and analysis of Internet policy and governance), a second applicant could apply for .MLS:

1. First applicant is has plan to offer an exclusive address for multiple listing services on the Internet;
2. Second potential is the owner of the mls.com domain name and US trademark for DOTMLS.

Complete story is available here.

What is "MLS" ? (.MLS Top-Level Domain project)

I am often asked about Top-Level Domains and what letters of the project stand for. AND, BCN, BZH ... There are many projects. The .MLS is a difficult one to explain.

"MLS" stands for Multiple Listing Services but for the average user it doesn't explain what these domain names will be used for and who will have the use of them.

I think the explanation can be read here in this sentence : "Because consumers have come to understand that those three letters represent the gold standard for accurate, up-to-date property information".

- UP-TO-DATE PROPERTY INFORMATION -

Note .mls domain names will be used mainly in the United States of America.
http://www.mlsdomains.org/take-back-our-mls/

Price of a .MLS domain name

• Pre-registration fee for one domain name is likely to be between $300 and $800
• Each MLS will pay a registrar for annual registration, also probably between $300 and $800 per domain name.

More information here

.MLS Top Level Domain

MLS Domains Association is a not for profit organization of real estate Multiple Listing Services (MLS).

Benefits will be:

• Unique location of MLS data on the Internet ;
• Key geographical second-level domains (SLDs) will be available to MLSs ;
• Better search engine ranking for MLS public websites.

More here : http://mlsdomains.org