As Anchovy News readers may know, last year Internet Naming Co. took over nine gTLDs formerly managed by Uniregistry – .CLICK, .COUNTRY, .HELP, .FORUM, .HIV, .LOVE, .PROPERTY, .SEXY and .TRUST. The Registry is now relaunching .FORUM in order to reach a broader audience. Indeed although it has never been a restricted TLD, it was however very expensive – the cost for a domain name registration was usually in the region of $1,500. Prices have therefore been greatly reduced for this re-launch, however this will only be reflected during the last stage as there will be a high Registry application fee during the first two phases.
The re-launch schedule is as follows:
- Sunrise: 12 April – 10 May 2023
During this period, trade mark holders will be able to apply for the corresponding domain names under .FORUM. As this is a re-launch, it will not be necessary for applicants to have registered their trade marks with the Trade Mark ClearingHouse (TMCH). They will still need to pay a high Registry application fee (over $1,100) in addition to the registration fee.
- Early Access Period (EAP): 10 May – 17 May 2023
During EAP, available .FORUM domain names can be registered by anyone on a first come, first served basis, however the price will be particularly high. Although it will decrease day by day leading up to General Availability, it will remain high during the whole phase. The Registry application fee will indeed range from approximately $21,000 (EAP day 1) to $900 (EAP day 7). The registration fee will need to be paid on top.
- General Availability: 17 May 2023 onwards
As from this date, anyone will be able to register available .FORUM domain names on a first come, first served basis, at the standard (and now reduced) price, which should be in the region of $40-$50, depending on the registrar.
In addition to offering a considerable reduction in price, the Registry is also now allowing the registration of one and two-character domain names under .FORUM, which will be interesting for many internet users, although these domain names will obviously be considered premium and will be sold at a much higher price.
There appears to currently be only approximately 300 registered .FORUM domain names. This figure should increase with this re-launch, although we may not see its effects until after General Availability starts, when the TLD becomes affordable for most.
Authored by Hogan Lovells Anchovy News team.
