What Are Brand TLDs?
Brand TLDs are corporate-owned top-level domains that represent a brand's identity online, such as .google, .amazon, .bmw, or .citigroup. Unlike generic TLDs, brand TLDs are restricted to use exclusively by the brand owner, providing enhanced brand protection, customer trust, and control over their digital presence.
Exclusive Brand Control
Complete ownership and control over your brand's digital namespace. Eliminate cybersquatting and unauthorized use forever.
Phishing & Fraud Prevention
Eliminate phishing attacks by creating a trusted namespace where customers can verify they're on your official site.
Security & Trust Signals
Built-in trust signals that instantly communicate authenticity. Your brand TLD becomes a badge of legitimacy counterfeiters cannot replicate.
Domain Portfolio Consolidation
Reduce costs by consolidating hundreds or thousands of domain registrations into a single, managed TLD.
Memorable Product URLs
Create clean, intuitive URLs for products and campaigns. Use widget.brand instead of brand.com/widget—memorable and trustworthy.
Internal Systems & Employee Services
Dedicated namespace for internal tools, employee portals, and Intranet systems that reinforce your brand identity.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Shorter, cleaner URLs that are easier to remember, type, and share. Improve customer experience with intuitive navigation.
Competitive Differentiation
Stand out from competitors by operating your own TLD. Signal innovation and technical leadership that competitors cannot match.
Brand TLDs in Action
See how Fortune 500 companies use their Brand TLDs to build trust and protect their brand.
blog.google
about.google
ai.google
devices.apple
store.apple
support.apple
about.amazon
jobs.amazon
devices.amazon
news.microsoft
research.microsoft
careers.microsoft
playstation.sony
electronics.sony
pictures.sony
cars.bmw
mini.bmw
motorrad.bmw
online.citigroup
cards.citigroup
banking.citigroup
consumer.verizon
business.verizon
enterprise.verizon
The 2026 Application Window
ICANN opens applications for new Brand TLDs from April 30 to August 12, 2026. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity.
Investment
$345,000
Application/Delegation Costs. Includes $227,500 ICANN application fee; paid as per payment schedule.
$64,800/year
Ongoing Annual Costs. Includes $25,800 ICANN registry fee plus variable fees.
Note: Brand TLDs have lower costs than other TLD types due to restricted registration and no public sales.
Timeline
18-36 months
From application submission to TLD delegation, including evaluation, technical and financial reviews, potential contention resolution, and final contract execution.
Eligibility
Trademark Required
Valid trademark rights required for Brand TLD application. Your trademark must match the requested TLD string, ensuring you have legitimate claim to your brand identity.
Revenue
Brand Protection Savings
ROI through reduced defensive registrations ($10K-$100K+ annually), eliminated phishing losses, enhanced customer trust, and complete control over your brand ecosystem.
Model Your Brand TLD
Use our Brand TLD Calculator to analyze ROI and break-even timeline for your brand TLD investment. Quantify both tangible savings (defensive registrations, phishing prevention) and intangible benefits (trust, brand equity).
Launch Brand TLD CalculatorReady to Own Your Brand TLD?
The 2026 application window is your opportunity to secure your brand's digital future before competitors or counterfeiters can claim your trademark at the DNS level.