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ARTICLE · 22 DECEMBER 2011

New Top-Level Domain Applications To Be Accepted Next Month

On December 8, 2011, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held hearings on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) plans to expand the number of "unrestricted" top-level domains ("TLDs") available on the Internet.

United StatesIntellectual Property

Domain Expansion Program Application Period Opens on January 12, 2012

On December 8, 2011, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held hearings on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' (ICANN) plans to expand the number of "unrestricted" top-level domains ("TLDs") available on the Internet. TLDs are the last portion of the domain name used in web addresses (e.g., .com, .org, .gov, etc.). Currently, TLDs have been limited to predetermined designations (such as .com, .org, .gov, .net, or .edu), but ICANN's program will allow an indefinite number of new "unrestricted" TLDs to be registered and established beginning January 12, 2012.

ICANN will announce which TLDs were applied for on May 1, 2012. That announcement will also mark the beginning of the objection period, when trademark owners and other interested parties will assert objections based on certain specified grounds (see below). Disputes will be outsourced by

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