Weekly Launch Guide September 25, 2023

Weekly Launch Guide September 25, 2023
Phase & Extension
Launching in next 30 Days
Start Date Order Entry
Deadline Date
First-come First-served (FCFS) Suggested Users
Sunrise
.meme 20-Sep-2023 20-Oct-2023 Yes An unrestricted TLD marketed towards meme culture.
.ing 20-Sep-2023 20-Oct-2023 Yes An unrestricted TLD marketed towards brands, services and products ending in “ing”.
Limited
.th 4-Oct-2023 27-Nov-2023 Yes This is the top level .th launch for customers looking to expand their brand in the Thailand domain name space.
Phase & Extension
Future Launch Phases
Start Date Order Entry
Deadline Date
First-come First-served (FCFS) Suggested Users
Future Launches
.th 4-Oct-2023 27-Nov-2023 Yes This is the top level .th launch for customers looking to expand their brand in the Thailand domain name space.
.music 11-Sep-2023 13-Nov-2023 Yes Trademark owners for all brands including those in the music industry, venues, entertainment and streaming services.
.music 9-Apr-2024 n/a Yes Available to non-trademark owners who have a connection with the music community.
.box (Block) TBD TBD TBD CSC is not currently offering direct registrations for .box, but instead are offering a .box blocking mechanism.
.llp TBD TBD TBD More information coming soon

SPOTLIGHT

Premium Kenyan (.KE) Domains Auction

The Kenyan Registry has announced that it will be selling premium .KE domains in an Auction process starting October 2, 2023. Premium 1, 2 & 3 character domain as well as some generic terms and numeric domain strings will be sold in two options.

•             Buy Now – sold on a first come, first served basis at a designated premium fee

•             Bid Option – Premium & Gold domains will be auctioned to the highest bidder with the minimum bid defined by the registry

The auction platform will run until November 3, 2023. Please reach out to your Customer Service Partner if you are interested in participating in the auction and reviewing the full list of domains and categories. The list of names sold in auction will is also available on the registry site.

.BOX Block Mechanism

The Intercap registry announced the launch of their new TLD .box. The .box TLD, originates from a project named My.Box and will be a blockchain-based internet name that will allow domains to be used for both crypto and internet services, such as email. The .box is Ethereum Name Service-enabled, meaning the registration to obtain or transfer a .box domain will be via the Ethereum blockchain. The .box naming system operates similarly to other blockchain TLDs. The main difference is that while blockchain TLDS do not use the traditional web DNS, .box domains will be accessible through the ENS and web browsers. With the new .box domains, users can assess their blockchain addresses on web browsers.

Due to the blockchain native format the registry requires a unique security and technology standard for registrar and registrants using proprietary blockchain technology. To register a .box there are no restrictions, however a crypto wallet and payment in crypto currency is required. Whilst this may not have broad appeal it could be used by those active in the blockchain environment. We recommend discussing any possible risks with your security team.

CSC is offering our customer the ability to block their brand strings under .box for defensive purposes. Please reach out to your Strategic Account Manager or Customer Service partner if you are interested in blocking your brands under this TLD.

.AI You Ready?

The .AI ccTLD, delegated to the island of Anguilla, is becoming more commonly associated with artificial intelligence and technology-related industries. Google recently announced that .AI will be treated as a generic TLD recognizing its significance to brands in the AI industry. Therefore, it may be a good fit for businesses or individuals that develop AI software, provide AI-related services, or conduct research in the field of AI. There has been a significant amount of media coverage recently about the potential use of AI for fraud in the future. Please reach out to your Client Service Partner if you have interest in this extension.

Extensions Now Offered

.SEG.AR: This extension is available for local and licensed Argentinian insurance companies. Registry’s restrictions will apply and further documents will be required per domain application. Please contact your Client Service Partner with any questions.

.MY Relaxes registration rules

The Malaysian Registry (MYNIC) has announced that they are removing restrictions on their top-level extension .MY. A local, Malaysian presence will no longer be required to register under this extension. This change means that anyone can register a .MY domain on a first-come, first-served basis. Second level extensions like .com.my will continue to be limited to Malaysian entities. If you are interested securing a domain in the top level .MY,  please contact your Client Service Partner.