The three month application window for applying for a generic
top Level Domain (gTLD) opened on 12 January 2012.
The new gTLD program allows organisations to introduce new gTLDs
into the domain name space that do not use the existing extensions
such as .com or .au. Organisations with strong brands are expected
to apply for gTLDs that reflect their brand (e.g. .nokia). Other
organisations may procure generic gTLDs (e.g. .music or .car) in
the hope of profiting by selling sub domains.
Before an applicant can submit an application, it must register
its interest by 29 March 2012. This involves a process of
completing an applicant profile, a legal review of the applicant
(such as the applicant's legal status, identification of
its directors, officers, partners, and identification of its major
shareholders), and submitting an initial deposit of US$5,000. The
window for lodging an application itself closes on 12 April 2012.
Applications are made on-line via the TLD
