New gTLD Application Guidebook and Application Fee posted by ICANN.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) today released the “Applicant Guidebook” for new generic Top-Level Domains. The company states that this guidebook is the resource made available by ICANN for parties interested in acquiring a new TLD and the guidebook is currently open for review and comment on ICANN’s Website.

ICANN states that among the details provided by ICANN is the much-anticipated estimated application fee, announced at $185,000 (USD) for the first application round. ICANN has arrived at this figure to recoup their investment in the implementation program as well as to cover the application process expenses.

In addition to the application fee, ICANN has released a great deal of information on the new gTLD process, including dispute resolution, rights of trademark and intellectual property holders, geographic TLD considerations and more.

“While the estimated application fee is higher than we initially expected, we do not view this as a hindrance to parties likely to secure a new gTLD,” said Matthew Durgin, COO of TLD Managers. “ICANN has reinforced their position on protecting trademark holders and geographic entities. We assume that organizations such as these will have a relatively clear path to their new gTLD, and with this investment can protect brands, raise awareness and strengthen communities online.”