Generic top-level domains (gTLD) such as .com, .net and .org typically cycle through a “Sunrise Period” prior to becoming available to the general public.
The Sunrise Period allows trade mark owners an advanced opportunity to register domain names that correspond with their trade mark registrations prior to the public launch of the gTLD.
Some of the gTLDs entering into or cycling through a Sunrise Period in December 2015 and January 2016 include:
| Extension | Order Entry Deadline |
| .reit | 17 December 2015 |
| .feedback | 4 January 2016 |
| .family | 7 January 2016 |
| .auto | 8 January 2016 |
| .car | 8 January 2016 |
| .cars | 8 January 2016 |
| .cloud | 13 January 2016 |
| .vin | 14 January 2016 |
| .wine | 14 January 2016 |
| .protection | 15 January 2016 |
| .theatre | 15 January 2016 |
| .security | 15 January 2016 |
| .yachts | 28 January 2016 |
| .boats | 28 January 2016 |
Even if the gTLDs listed above may not be of direct interest, trade mark owners may still wish to consider applying to register “defensive” domain name registrations in an effort to protect their trade marks from misuse in these domain name spaces.
For more information on pre-ordering gTLDs in a Sunrise Period or general information on registering domain names, please contact Khajaque Kortian, Principal.