Generic TLDs

The generic domain extensions (gTLDs), also known as international, are not assigned to any specific country, but refer to the industry of the applicant (company, institution, etc. ..), or the website associated or geographic area.

The key strength of the generic TLDs is their international fashion, which make them very appealing and the most number of abuses occur in these extensions since, under many of them, domain names can be registered by anyone, without any special restrictions.

The generic domain extensions of historical interest have been introduced since 1985 (.com and. net being the first). At the end of 2013, hundreds of new generic TLDs have been introduced as a result of the adoption of the new gTLDs program approved by ICANN.

The generic extensions portfolio include a total of 22 gTLDs grouped into the following categories. In addition, there are a number of universally recognized second level TLDs – commonly referred to as alternative gTLDs – that are characterized by non-official extensions referring to different countries in the world.

In particular, and depending on the needs and activities of the applicant, it may be appropriate to evaluate the registration of domain names in these extensions to extend the protection of own trademarks.