Newsflash

Launch of . LOCKER –

Amendment to launch schedule

As we mentioned in our previous Newsflash here, Registry operator Orange Domains launched their new gTLD .LOCKER. The Sunrise phase has now finished, but the dates for the Early Access Programme (EAP) and General Availability phases have been amended as follows:

All phases start and finish at 16:00 UTC. It is an open TLD and no restrictions apply.

Liberalisation of .AD

domain names in Andorra

As we reported previously, a new regulation for .AD domains came into effect on 22 May 2024, and at the end of a transitional priority launch period (now in progress), .AD domain names will become available to all on a first-come, first-served basis. The transitional priority launch period allows owners with prior rights the chance to register their domains before the TLD opens for General Availability.

The Transition Phase is made up of an Opening Phase (already passed) and a Landrush Phase. The Transition Phase is not first-come, first-served – domains will be assigned at the end of the respective phases according to the hierarchy of each category.

Where multiple identical applications are submitted within the same category, the registry will attempt formal or informal mediation and where no agreement is reached, an auction will occur.

Domains will be automatically set to a “PendingCreate” state for registry review.

Landrush Phase: 5 September 2024 to 16 October 2024

Domain name applications may be submitted under the same categories as the Opening Phase, with an additional category:

• corporate names for Andorran legal entities (registered corporate name or the significant part thereof, without S.L., foundation, etc.)
• foreign trade marks without effect in Andorra (registered before 22 May 2024)
• names of Andorran citizens or residents
• names matching domain names in other TLDs (registered before 22 May 2024)
• names without previous rights or priority – open to any name not covered by any of the above categories.

General Availability – from 22 October 2024

Domains will be available to all without restrictions on a first-come, first-served basis.

IDNs are available and domains may include the Catalan language characters (à, ç, è, é, í, ï, l·l, ò, ó, ú, ü). 1 and 2-character domain names will be available for registration at a later date.

Furthermore, existing holders of .AD domain names will be able to renew their domains from 1 to 10 years upon expiry – the renewal period is currently 2 years

For further information, pricing, and orders, please enquire with your Domain Strategist or contact us directly.