15 November 2011

Question. Will applications be categorized as "sponsored" or "unsponsored" in this New gTLD application round?

Answer. No, applications will not be categorized as "sponsored" or "unsponsored" in this new gTLD application round. ICANN carried out two previous new gTLD application rounds. Sponsored and unsponsored TLDs were part of these two previous programs. These distinctions are not relevant to the New gTLD program. Under the New gTLD program, a community-based designation can be made on any application. Please refer to section 1.2.3 of the Applicant Guidebook for more information on community-based designation.

DISCLAIMER: This material is for information only and does not represent of all requirements and criteria that the applicant must satisfy. ICANN is not providing legal, financial, business or any other kind of advice. This material does not represent a modification to the Applicant Guidebook, or the terms and conditions to the new gTLD program. This material also does not represent a waiver of any ICANN policy, procedure or agreement. In the event that any information provided in this material appears to be inconsistent with any information published elsewhere by ICANN, please do not rely on this material without confirmation or clarification from ICANN.