gTLD Pre-Registration FAQs

Will all the new domains be available to me?
No. While there will be over 700 new domains that will be available to you, there will be another 600 or so new domains that are trademarked names - .FORD, .GUCCI, .DUPONT - and, although the owners could open them to the general public, they’ll most likely reserve them for internal use.

What if a particular domain has multiple applicants from multiple registrars?

Multiple applications for the same domain name are handled differently, depending on if they’re submitted during Priority Pre-registration or regular Pre-registration.

For multiple applications submitted during Priority Pre-Registration, the company that owns and regulates the domain extension will hold a private auction to determine the owner. If HostingDude.com secures a domain with multiple applicants during regular Pre-registration, we’ll hold a private auction to determine ownership.

Will the new domains change how the Internet works?
No. They might change the way people find information on the Web, though. And they might also impact how businesses build their online presence.

What makes a great domain name?
Picking the right domain is huge. Look for a name that's memorable, easy to spell and that’s personalized to you or your business. Using ‘real’ words in your domain name, instead of made up names, will also help you get found online.

What are the benefits of pre-registering a domain name?
Competition for some of the new domains is likely to be intense. Pre-registering a domain name might give you an advantage over others wishing to register the exact same domain name. And while there are hundreds of new domains available, there is only one CatesCakes.NYC or CatesCakes.MENU.

Much like standing in line for tickets, the earlier you get there, the more likely you are to get the seat you want.

Can I pre-register a domain that’s already been pre-registered?
Yes. If more than one person pre-registers the same domain at HostingDude.com, all applicants will be invited to a private auction to decide who gets it.

Does pre-registering a domain guarantee I’ll get it?
No. Pre-registering a domain reserves your place in our queue for that domain. The instant the registration phase opens, we’ll submit our list of registrations electronically using our industry-leading technology to give you an edge.

If we are unable to get the name, we’ll refund your registration cost. Any application fees that might have been collected for the Priority Pre-Registration and Trademark phases will be non-refundable, however. There are no application fees for the standard Pre-Registration phase. Application fees will vary by domain.

If HostingDude.com secures the name and more than one person or company has pre-registered it, all parties will be invited to a private auction to decide who gets it.

Is a pre-registration binding?
No. You can cancel your pre-registration request and we’ll happily refund your domain fee. Application fees are non-refundable.

How do I register a domain with my trademark in it?
ICANN protects trademark owners by letting them reserve their trademarked names first before anyone else is allowed to submit registrations for a particular domain.

To be sure you don’t miss this registration period, Follow any domains you’re considering. We’ll let you know when they’re open to trademark holders.

Will there be domains in languages other than English?
Yes. For the first time, speakers of nearly three dozen languages - including Arabic, Chinese, and languages based on the Cyrillic alphabet, will have their own domains.

This will be a huge boon for companies that promote their products in countries where these languages are spoken.

Is there any reason to register more than one domain name?
Yes. Businesses often register different domains to expand their digital footprint. So for example, if you own CatesCakes.COM you might also want to register CatesCakes.MENU and CatesCakes.NYC. You can forward the new domains to your existing website or use them to create new ones. This increases the odds that new customers will find you online.

What should I do now?
The new domains will be released over the next two years, beginning in November 2013. To increase your chances of getting the domains you want, Follow any that remotely interest you. We’ll email you before pre-registration begins. You can also call our customer support team anytime at the number shown above to understand your options.

What’s the difference between regular Pre-registration and Priority Pre-registration?
A Priority Pre-registration is submitted before a regular Pre-registration, improving your chance of getting the name you want when it becomes available.

Pricing and renewal fees may be higher for Priority Pre-registration and there may also be non-refundable application fees with this type of registration.

If I apply for a Priority Pre-registration should I also submit an application during regular Pre-registration?

No. Priority Pre-registration gives you the best possible chance of getting the domain, as all Priority pre-registrations are submitted before regular Pre-registrations. If there are multiple applications for the same domain name, the registry will hold a private auction, with the domain name awarded to the highest bidder.