intermediateLegal
Sunrise Period
A pre-launch registration window for new TLDs where trademark holders can register their marks first.
A sunrise period is a pre-launch registration phase for new TLDs during which trademark holders have the exclusive right to register domains matching their trademarks before the TLD opens to the general public. ICANN requires all new gTLDs to offer a sunrise period of at least 30 days. Trademark holders must apply through the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) to participate. Sunrise protects brands from cybersquatters at TLD launch.