Some companies, such as Alternative Domains, Name.Space and
Imagine Online Designs are taking pre-registrations for domain
names for TLDs that have yet to be approved. For example, the
anticipated .web TLD has built up over 20,000 pre-registrations
since 1996.
Louse Touton, Vice President of ICANN, is reported as
saying:
“People should be cautious with these
pre-registration schemes. No new TLDs have been established and
there are no guaranteed – or even preferred – TLDs… We’re concerned
about companies that are charging for pre-registration. That seems
like a pretty obnoxious practice”
When all the applications for operating or sponsoring new TLDs
are received, ICANN will invite public comment until 15th October
and then post selected comments on its web site. The ICANN Board
will then vote on applications and on 20th November, ICANN will
announce selected applicants to enter into negotiations, to be
completed by the end of the year.
The uncertainty over pre-registration of names has not deterred
some companies. Andersen Consulting, for example, has
pre-registered andersen.consulting. Generic domains like law.firm
have been registered with name.space. Two people have registered
sex.web at two competing pre-registration sites and a third has
filed an “intent to use” trademark application for the proposed
domain name. Even if TLDs such as .web are introduced, there is no
guarantee that the pre-registrations will be regarded as valid.
