As the 1,930 applications for new gTLDs were revealed last month, it
quickly became apparent that there had been a lot of applications for
similar domains, with .app for example having 13 and .home 11. Off-stage
at the Icann meeting in Prague, therefore, the applicants were
discussing arrangements for who would own which.
Domain deals
Icann's applicant guidebook provides that where there are competing
applications, parties have up to six months to decide whether they wish
to pursue them or withdraw. Withdrawing would mean they get some of
their fees refunded.
If there are still multiple applicants at the end of that period, the
domain string will be auctioned. It is not yet clear how the auction
will work or where the money will go. It has been suggested that any
money raised should be donated to charity.
Applicants who spoke to Managing IP at the Prague meeting said...