The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is currently considering applications to add up to 1,400 new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) to the Internet landscape, with some gTLDs opening for domain-name registrations beginning as early as late 2013. In response, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has prepared an update to the policy and procedures related to the USPTO’s handling of trademark applications for marks comprised of gTLDs, and has set forth the circumstances under which a mark consisting of a gTLD for domain-name registration or registry services may be registered. A draft version of the examination guide is available now for public comment below.

This advisory provides a comprehensive summary of the USPTO’s updated examination guide, on which public comments will be accepted through September 8, 2013.