Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Registry Agreements

gTLD Registry Agreements establish the rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations ICANN requires of registry operators to run gTLDs.

Appendix 6

Schedule of Reserved Names

(29 February 2012)

Except to the extent that ICANN otherwise expressly authorizes in writing, the Registry Operator shall reserve names formed with the following labels from initial (i.e. other than renewal) registration within the TLD:

A. Labels Reserved at All Levels. The following names shall be reserved at the second level and at all other levels within the TLD at which Registry Operator makes registrations:

ICANN-related names:

  • aso
  • gnso
  • icann
  • internic
  • ccnso

IANA-related names:

  • afrinic
  • apnic
  • arin
  • example
  • gtld-servers
  • iab
  • iana
  • iana-servers
  • iesg
  • ietf
  • irtf
  • istf
  • lacnic
  • latnic
  • rfc-editor
  • ripe
  • root-servers

B. Additional Second-Level Reservations. In addition, the following names shall be reserved at the second level:

  • All single-character labels. The Registry Operator may release these reservations based on its implementation of measures consistent with the Start-Up Plan (Part 4 of Appendix S).
  • All two-character labels. The Registry Operator may also release these reservations based on its implementation of measures consistent with the Start-Up Plan (Part 4 of Appendix S), including to avoid confusion with the corresponding country codes (ISO 3166 2-character codes).

C. Tagged Domain Names. All labels with hyphens in the third and fourth character positions (e.g., "bq--1k2n4h4b" or "xn--ndk061n").

D. Second-Level Reservations for Registry Operations. The following names are reserved for use in connection with the operation of the registry for the Registry TLD. Registry Operator may use them, but upon conclusion of Registry Operator's designation as operator of the registry for the Registry TLD they shall be transferred as specified by ICANN:

  • nic
  • whois
  • www

E.Geographic and Geopolitical Names. All geographic and geopolitical names contained in the ISO 3166-1 list from time to time shall initially be reserved at both the second level and at all other levels within the TLD at which the Registry Operator provides for registrations. All names shall be reserved both in English and in all related official languages as may be directed by ICANN or the GAC.

In addition, Registry Operator shall reserve names of territories, distinct geographic locations, and other geographic and geopolitical names as ICANN may direct from time to time. Such names shall be reserved from registration during any sunrise period, and shall be registered in ICANN's name prior to start-up and open registration in the TLD. Registry Operator shall post and maintain an updated listing of all such names on its website, which list shall be subject to change at ICANN's direction. Upon determination by ICANN of appropriate standards and qualifications for registration following input from interested parties in the Internet community, such names may be approved for registration to the appropriate authoritative body.