Objection and Dispute Resolution
The objection period for new gTLDs begins when the applied-for domain names, or strings, are posted and is intended to remain open for approximately seven months.
After the objection filing period closes, all objections received will move through the dispute resolution process, estimated to take approximately five months, in the absence of extraordinary circumstances.
This page provides information about the objection process for those filing an objection and for those responding to objections.
Filing an Objection
An objection-filing period was built into the New gTLD Program as a way for you to protect certain rights and interests. For example, if someone has applied for your brand or trademark, or perhaps you oppose a gTLD that targets a community in which you are involved, you can formally object to that application. Filing an objection gives you the opportunity to have your objection considered before a panel of qualified experts in the relevant subject area.
Anyone with standing may submit a formal objection on any one of four objection grounds. All objections must be filed directly with the selected Dispute Resolution Service Provider (DRSP), not with ICANN.
Below is a list of objection grounds, who has standing, and which DRSP to file with:
| Objection Ground | What it Means | Who has Standing | Dispute Resolution Service Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| String Confusion | The applied for gTLD string is confusingly similar to an existing TLD or to another applied-for gTLD string. If two confusingly similar TLDs are delegated this could cause user confusion. See section 3.2.2.1 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
An existing TLD operator or a gTLD applicant in the same application round. See section 3.2.2 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
The International Centre for Dispute Resolution ICDR Fees [PDF, 18 KB] ICDR Rules [PDF, 18 KB] See section 3.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook |
| Legal Rights | The applied-for gTLD string violates the legal rights of the objector. See section 3.2.2.2 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
A rightsholder. See section 3.2.2 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO Fees [PDF, 32 KB] WIPO Rules [PDF, 43 KB] See section 3.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook |
| Limited Public Interest | The applied-for gTLD string goes against generally accepted legal norms of morality and public order that are recognized under principles of international law. See section 3.2.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
Anyone can file an objection; however the objection is subject to a "quick look" review designed to filter out frivolous and/or abusive objections. See section 3.2.2 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
The International Center of Expertise of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Fees [PDF, 117 KB] ICC Practice Note [PDF, 78 KB] See section 3.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook |
| Community | There is substantial opposition to the gTLD application from a significant portion of the community that the gTLD string is targeting. See section 3.2.2.4 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
An established institution associated with a clearly defined community. See section 3.2.2 of the Applicant Guidebook. |
The International Center of Expertise of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC Fees [PDF, 117 KB] ICC Practice Note [PDF, 78 KB] See section 3.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook |
How to File an Objection
If you want to file a formal objection to a new gTLD application you will need to:
- Contact the appropriate dispute resolution service provider and file your objection electronically with them.
- File your objection in English.
- File each objection separately. If you wish to object to several applications, you must file a separate objection and pay the accompanying filing fees for each one.
For each objection filed, be sure to include:
- Your name and contact information as the objector.
- A statement of why you believe you meet the standing requirements.
- A description of the basis for the objection, including:
- a statement giving the grounds you are objecting on and
- a detailed explanation of the validity of your objection and why it should be upheld.
- Copies of any documents that support your objection.
Objections are limited to 5000 words or 20 pages, which ever is less.
For full details on filing procedures, please refer to section 3.2 of the Applicant Guidebook and the New gTLD Dispute Resolution Procedure. They can be found at newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb.
Filing Fees
You must pay a filing fee in the amount set and published by the relevant dispute resolution service provider at the time you file your objection. You should refer to the appropriate provider for exact amounts. If the filing fee is not paid, the objection proceeding will be dismissed.
Responding to an Objection
Within thirty days of the closing of the objections filing window, ICANN will post a Dispute Announcement and notify the DRSP to begin the objection proceedings. If you are an applicant and have received notice from a service provider that you have had an objection filed against your application, you will have 30 calendar days to file your response. If you do not respond within 30 days, you will be in default and the objector will prevail.
If your application has been objected to, you have the following options:
- You can work to reach a settlement with the objector. This would result in either a withdrawal of the objection or a withdrawal of your new gTLD application;
- You can file a response to the objection and enter the dispute resolution process (refer to Section 3.2 of the Applicant Guidebook and the New gTLD Dispute Resolution Procedure, both of which can be found at newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb); or
- You can withdraw your new gTLD application, in which case the objector will prevail by default and your application will not proceed.
Remember: if you fail to file a response to an objection, the objector will prevail by default!
To file a response to an objection you will need to:
- Contact the appropriate dispute resolution service provider and file your response(s) electronically.
- File your response(s) in English.
- File your responses separately. If you are responding to several objections you must file a separate response for each and pay the accompanying filing fee for each.
For each response filed be sure to include:
- Your name and contact information as the applicant.
- A point-by-point response to the claims made by the objector.
- Copies of any documents that support your response.
Responses are limited to 5000 words or 20 pages, whichever is less, excluding attachments.
For full details on filing procedures, please refer to section 3.2 of the Applicant Guidebook and the New gTLD Dispute Resolution Procedure. They can be found at newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb.
Filing Fees
You must pay a filing fee in the amount set and published by the relevant dispute resolution service provider at the time you file your response. If the filing fee is not paid, the response will be disregarded, which will result in the objector prevailing.
For more general information on the Objection Process, please refer to Module 3 of the Applicant Guidebook and the New gTLD Dispute Resolution Procedure.