The countdown has begun: the next ICANN new gTLD application window is expected to open in early 2026. This finite opportunity for brands to secure a dotBrand gTLD and take direct control over their digital identities should not be overlooked. There are no set dates for any future application rounds — if you miss this application window, it could be years before the opportunity presents itself again.
For organizations in sectors where trust, security, and authenticity are critical, this isn’t just a chance to expand their domain portfolio — it’s a strategic move to future-proof their brand, protect their customers, and simplify their digital presence at scale.
And here’s the truth: If they wait until 2026 to start planning, they may be too late.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a dotBrand gTLD?
A dotBrand top-level domain puts your organization in control of its own domain namespace. This means:
- Minimizing the risk of lookalike phishing domains
- Maximizing the flexibility of your global digital presence via a completely owned root.
- Enhancing brand equity with clean, memorable domain structures
But applying isn’t as simple as buying a new domain name. It involves cross-functional coordination, legal vetting, financial preparation, and executive buy-in. Which is why starting now — with a focused strategy and expert guidance — is mission-critical.
Five Industries That Should Consider Applying for a dotBrand gTLD in ICANN’s Next Round
1. Financial Services
Why dotBrands Matter for the Financial Services Sector:
Phishing is one of the biggest threats to consumer trust in banking, payments, and insurance. A dotBrand TLD dramatically reduces that threat by ensuring digital experiences can occur within a verified domain ecosystem.
Possible dotBrand Use Cases:
Instead of secure-yourbank.com, imagine a domain like loans.brandname — clear, trustworthy, and impossible to hijack.
Why Prepare for Your dotBrand Application Now?
Rising fraud and increased regulatory pressure around digital security for financial services make it essential to assert control over your namespace before new threats arise.
2. Healthcare & Life Sciences
Why dotBrands Matter for the Healthcare & Life Sciences Sector:
In an age of telehealth and online pharma, patients and partners need to know your website is authentic. A dotBrand reduces the chance of misinformation, impersonation, and domain misuse.
Possible dotBrand Use Cases:
Host trusted resources like clinicaltrials.brandname or support.brandname that reinforce safety, integrity, and transparency.
Why Prepare for Your dotBrand Application Now?
Healthcare’s digital transformation is accelerating. You need the infrastructure — and domain control — to ensure authentic information exchange and increase confidence for professionals and patients alike.
3. Retail & E-Commerce
Why dotBrands Matter for the Retail & E-Commerce Sector:
With fake websites and counterfeit products flooding digital marketplaces, customers demand authenticity. A dotBrand TLD creates direct, branded domain names that can be used on websites dedicated to product categories, promotions, and customer support.
Possible dotBrand Use Cases:
Use watches.brandname or returns.brandname to build buyer trust and eliminate reliance on subdomains.
Why Prepare for Your dotBrand Application Now?
Digital commerce is growing — but so are scams. Strengthen your brand integrity across every transaction.
4. Technology & SaaS
Why dotBrands Matter for the Technology & SaaS Sector:
Tech companies are innovation leaders — and high-value targets. A dotBrand TLD offers security, brand flexibility, and scalable domain management for everything from customer portals to developer tools.
Possible dotBrand Use Cases:
Route users to status.brandname, docs.brandname, or login.brandname to guarantee they’re interacting with trusted services.
Why Prepare for Your dotBrand Application Now?
Standing out in tech requires both credibility and creativity. A dotBrand gives you both.
5. Travel & Hospitality
Why dotBrands Matter for the Travel & Hospitality Sector:
Booking scams and impersonation attacks plague travelers. A dotBrand lets you consolidate your digital ecosystem and deliver secure, seamless experiences from discovery to booking.
Possible dotBrand Use Cases:
Imagine flights.brandname or paris.brandname — easy to remember, impossible to fake.
Why Prepare for Your dotBrand Application Now?
When attracting global travelers, competition is fierce. A dotBrand helps differentiate and protect your customer journey.
Take These Steps Now to Prepare for Your dotBrand Application
If your organization operates in one of these sectors, you need to start building your dotBrand TLD roadmap today. Here’s where to begin:
- Secure Stakeholder Buy-In: Engage IT, executive teams, and others to align goals and resources.
- Develop a Strategic Plan: Map your naming architecture, compliance needs, and launch use cases.
- Partner with Experts: A trusted guide like Markmonitor brings deep ICANN experience and proven success launching enterprise dotBrand TLDs.
Own Your Namespace. Own Your Future.
Applying for a dotBrand domain isn’t just a domain strategy — it’s a brand protection strategy. A dotBrand TLD gives you full control over your online presence in a way no traditional domain ever could.
You’ve got less than a year to prepare, so let’s make sure you’re ready. Talk to a Markmonitor expert today to evaluate your readiness and take the next step.
