Domain Distribution

What is Domain Distribution?

Domain distribution or domain name allocation is a much discussed topic these days. Domain name registries are vested with the right to distribute domain names to eligible applicants. The advent of private registration has paved the way for bulk registration of all generic top level domains with a number of extensions, sometimes conflicting with  the restrictions and registration policies introduced by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

As part of the effort to avoid distribution problems, domain name distribution policies and methodologies have been created. These policies deal with questions like which domains should be reserved for public use, for operational use, and for auctions.

What is the Sunrise Period?

One period for the distribution of domain names is the sunrise period. The sunrise period is the duration of time during which trademark owners can register or launch a new top-level domain or second-level domain name. Sunrise periods offer existing trademark and other intellectual property holders the opportunity of reserving names in the registry. Usually, one to two months period are set aside for the Sunrise period.

The domain name distribution and processing services through ICANN authorized registrars are carried out exclusively on a priority basis. This is a service policy whereby domains are allotted to customers purely in the order of their arrival.