Last week, ICANN began accepting applications for its new gTLD program. ICANN has posted a series of extremely comprehensive materials outlining the registration and evaluation process. A copy of those materials can be found here. (Please see link below.) The following brief summary of the application process is geared toward trademark holders seeking to protect their trademark rights during this process:

The user registration period for new gTLD applicants is open until March 29, 2012. The application period itself closes on April 12, 2012. Applicants wishing to register a new gTLD extension must provide the following...