ICANN New gTLD Dispute Resolution
In an effort to protect and support a stable Internet, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) has implemented a programme for the introduction of new generic Top-Level Domain Names (“gTLDs”).
To enable the continued expansion of the Domain Name System (“DNS”), the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (“ICANN”) has implemented a program for the registration of new generic Top-Level Domains (“gTLDs”). In the context of the 2026 Round of this program, third parties will have the opportunity to file objections to gTLD applications on several specified grounds. These objections are resolved pursuant to ICANN Objection and Objection Appeal Procedures contained in ICANN Applicant Guidebook.
ICC through its International Centre for ADR (“Centre”) was selected by ICANN to handle objections filed on the following grounds:
- Limited Public Interest – when the Objector alleges that the applied-for gTLD string and/or one or more applied-for allocatable variant string(s) are contrary to generally accepted legal norms of morality and public order that are recognised under international principles of law.
- Community – when the Objector alleges that there is well-substantiated opposition to an applied-for string and/or one or more applied-for allocatable variant string(s) from a significant portion of the community which the string may be explicitly or implicitly targeting.
The Centre administers the proceedings on first instance and on appeal pursuant to ICANN Applicant Guidebook and the ICC Expert Rules, in particular the Rules for the Administration of Expert Proceedings, in force as from 1 February 2015. The Rules will be supplemented by the Appendix III addressing the financial aspect of ICANN Objection and Appeal Procedures.
