New gTLD Application Window Closes, Trademark Monitoring Phase Begins

ICANN closed the application window for new generic Top-Level Domains on August 12, 2026, after a 104-day period that began in late April.

Trademark holders now enter the critical phase of monitoring applications, with Reveal Day expected in October 2026 when ICANN will publish details of applications that passed initial administrative checks.

The subsequent 104-day period will allow public comments, early warnings from the Governmental Advisory Committee, and formal objections by parties with standing through the Trademark Clearinghouse and other mechanisms.

Brand owners are advised to finalize lists of strings to monitor, including brand names, industry terms, and transliterations, and prepare for potential opposition proceedings.

The process marks the first major expansion of the domain name system since 2012 and raises new considerations for trademark enforcement in the DNS.

Sources: https://www.mondaq.com/trademark/1836428/new-gtlds-the-real-work-for-trademark-holders-begins-in-august-2026 https://trademarklawyermagazine.com/trademark-news/