Icann expects the Trademark Clearinghouse for new gTLDs to be ready in October this year, before the first strings go live in early 2013.
Trade mark owners should have several months to file their marks into the central repository, which at least one company will operate.
The Implementation Advisory Group – a team of IP lawyers, registry and registrar representatives – is meeting twice a week to ensure that the Clearinghouse is ready for October.
Icann will pick the company or companies to validate marks and operate the database by February 14. Five candidates from nine have been shortlisted: IP Rota and CHIP were two companies that responded to the RFI in November.