The introduction of a new gTLD happens in phases. One mandatory phase is a 30-day sunrise phase for each new gTLD. Sunrise phases offer trademark owners the opportunity to secure certain domain names before the TLD namespace is opened to the public (first-come, first-served). The domain name has to be an identical match to the domain labels as defined in the TMCH matching rules. To participate in a sunrise phase the trademark has to be registered with the TMCH. To utilize a clearinghouse saves the effort to have each trademark checked by every single registriy as they go live - not to be ignored with ~1,500 new TLDs coming.
Fees for any sunrise phase are as follows:
- Fee to register a TM in the TMCH (for 1, 3 or 5 years)
- One-time Fee to participate in sunrise phase
- Annual domain registration fee