On 3 July 2025, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the official selection of Dispute Resolution Service Providers (DRSPs) for the next round of the new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) program (ICANN source).

Two major institutions have been appointed:

  • the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO),
  • and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

This milestone confirms the governance framework for handling objections in the upcoming gTLD application round, expected to open in April 2026. For brand owners, IP managers, and businesses, this is a clear signal: the time to prepare is now.

Why a dispute resolution system matters

The new gTLD program, first launched in 2012, allows companies and organizations to apply for their own extensions (.brand, .shop, .wine, etc.).

However, applications can lead to conflicts. For example:

  • Company A applies for .brandX.
  • Company B, already holding the trademark BrandX, may object to protect its rights.

To ensure a neutral, expert, and reliable process, ICANN relies on DRSPs to adjudicate these disputes.

The appointed DRSPs in july 2025

WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)

WIPO has been confirmed as the exclusive provider for:

  • Legal Rights Objections (LRO) – when a gTLD application infringes trademark or IP rights;
  • String Confusion Objections (SCO) – when a gTLD is deemed too similar to an existing or applied-for extension.

👉 In the 2012 round, WIPO administered 69 Legal Rights Objections (WIPO source).

With over 75,000 domain name cases handled under the UDRP since 1999 and cooperation with 85+ country code TLDs, WIPO brings unmatched expertise in domain dispute resolution.

ICC (International Chamber of Commerce)

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (ICC source) will be responsible for:

  • Public Interest Objections,
  • Community Objections.

The ICC’s strong background in international arbitration and mediation makes it an ideal provider for disputes involving broader societal or community concerns.

The path to selection

The appointment of WIPO and ICC follows a structured process:

  • November 2024: ICANN launched a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential providers (ICANN RFI).
  • March 2025: ICANN issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to formally select DRSPs (ICANN RFP).
  • 3 July 2025: ICANN announced the official appointments (ICANN announcement).

Why this matters for businesses

This announcement is more than procedural. It has strategic implications for companies preparing gTLD applications:

  1. Predictability – Applicants now know which bodies will handle objections.
  2. Legal certainty – Trademark holders can rely on expert adjudication if infringements arise.
  3. Defensive strategy – Companies can prepare to object against conflicting applications.
  4. Offensive strategy – Applicants can tailor their submissions to minimize risks of objection.

Checklist: Are you ready for the next ICANN round?

✔ Audit your portfolio: identify sensitive trademarks and strategic extensions.

✔ Define your strategy: offensive (.brand) or defensive (protecting key generics).

✔ Plan budget and resources: ICANN fees, legal support, potential objection costs.

✔ Monitor ICANN updates: track publication of competing applications.

✔ Anticipate timelines: a straightforward gTLD application may take up to 15 months to process.

Case studies

  • Global luxury brand: filed a .brand in 2012 to consolidate all digital assets and prevent misuse.
  • Tech mid-sized enterprise: adopted a defensive strategy, securing rights in critical generic extensions.
  • E-commerce start-up: successfully recovered a cybersquatted domain through UDRP proceedings.

These examples illustrate that success depends on anticipation and tailored legal strategy, regardless of company size.

The role of Dreyfus

For over 20 years, Dreyfus has supported companies in protecting trademarks and domain names.

  • Expertise in UDRP, URS, and national procedures (e.g., Syreli in France).
  • Active participation in international bodies (ICANN, INTA).
  • Recognized in global rankings (IP Stars, Top 250 Women in IP).

Our team provides end-to-end support:

  • portfolio audits,
  • gTLD application preparation and filing,
  • representation in LRO, SCO, and UDRP cases,
  • strategic monitoring and defense.

FAQ – Dispute resolution & new gTLDs

What is a Legal Rights Objection (LRO)?
A process allowing trademark holders to oppose a gTLD application that infringes their rights.

What is a String Confusion Objection (SCO)?
An objection based on excessive similarity between two applied-for extensions, creating risk of confusion.

Who are the appointed DRSPs for 2025?
WIPO (exclusive for LRO and SCO) and ICC (for Public Interest and Community Objections).

What is the difference between LRO and UDRP?

  • LRO: relates to new gTLD applications.
  • UDRP: relates to disputes over existing domain names.

How much does an objection cost?
Fees vary by type of objection and provider (WIPO or ICC). Budget planning is essential.

Conclusion

ICANN’s 3 July 2025 announcement marks a pivotal step in preparing for the next round of new gTLDs. With WIPO and ICC designated as DRSPs, businesses now have clarity on how objections will be handled.

👉 For brand owners, the message is clear: audit your portfolios, build a strategy, and prepare to defend or secure your digital identity.

Dreyfus stands ready to help companies transform these challenges into opportunities and ensure trademark protection in the evolving domain name space.

🔗 Verified references