We are all familiar with the common and widely-used generic top level domain names (gTLDs) currently available on the Web, such as .com, .org, .net, .biz, and the like. Very soon, however, the number of top level domains (TLDs) will rapidly expand, and companies will be able to own, operate, and control their own custom TLDs (e.g., www.example.mycompany).
As described in greater detail below, companies or individuals can apply to become the operator of a new custom TLD this January 2012. These new custom TLDs may greatly impact how companies operate their websites, position their branding on the Web, monitor and enforce potential trademark infringements, handle cybersquatting issues, and deal with a host of other related issues. Your company should consider how it will handle these issues in the near future, and may even want to consider becoming an operator of a custom TLD.
