There are a variety of phases that a new TLD may go through during its launch process.
The first of these phases, historically called "Sunrise" is exclusively for verified
Trademark Holders. This phase is the first chance anyone has to register a new domain. However, you must have your trademark validated with the
Trademark Clearinghouse before you can register your domain. After your trademark is validated, the TMCH will send you an SMD (Signed Mark Data) file that you must use to complete your registration. For more information, visit the
Trademark Clearinghouse.
The second phase, historically called "Landrush", is a
Priority Pre-Registration period — during this phase you can pay a premium to increase your chance of securing a domain that wasn't registered during the Trademark Holders period. Note that not all of the new TLDs will have a Priority Pre-Registration period.
The Early Access Program (or EAP, as it is commonly known), is specific to domains operated by the Donuts registry. Instead of a typical Priority Registration, Donuts offers EAP, which gives you the opportunity to immediately purchase and access your domain. Setup fees vary depending on which day of EAP you choose to purchase your domain. While earlier days have higher setup fees, you also stand a better chance of securing your desired domain before somebody else does. Please note that you will also be charged the standard registration price for the domain in addition to any setup fee. For more information on EAP, visit our
EAP-specific FAQs.â¨
Pre-Registration, the third phase, actually begins at the start of the Trademark Holders period and continues until 24 hours prior to the start of General Availability. During this phase you may pre-register your domain in an effort to get a head start on the General Availability phase. At the moment General Availability begins, your pre-registration will automatically be submitted to the registry, giving you the best chance of securing your desired domain.
During the
General Availability period the domain will be open to the public and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
While FatCow does not currently support the Trademark Holder or Priority Pre-Registration periods, we will soon.