If you’re thinking about applying for a new gTLD in the next round, understanding the new Applicant Guidebook (AGB) is absolutely essential.
In this episode, we explain why the AGB matters so much and what’s changed since the last round. We walk you through the key rules, timelines, and new features, including how to handle contention sets, how dot brands are treated, and what’s no longer required.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or returning for another round, getting to grips with the AGB early will give you a real strategic advantage. We’re here to help you make sense of it all.
This is a must-listen for anyone serious about securing a new TLD in 2026.
In this episode, we unpack key updates from ICANN 83 including the long-awaited draft Applicant Guidebook and the next round of new gTLD applications. Ashley Roberts breaks down the application fee, implications for dot Brands, and the latest on the registry agreement. Susan Payne discusses the growing momentum around DNS abuse policies, and Sophie Hey explores the state of registration data initiatives including the RDRS, Privacy and Proxy Service Accreditation, and Registration Data Accuracy.
In this episode of the Com Laude podcast, Sophie Hey and Susan Payne discuss the key takeaways from the recent ICANN 82 meeting. They cover the progress on the next round of new gTLDs, recent developments in dot brand TLDs, the importance of domain name registration data accuracy, and the ongoing challenges of DNS abuse. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts within the ICANN community to address these critical issues and the implications for stakeholders.
In our 15th episode of the Com Laude Podcast, we take a deep dive into blockchain domains — where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they’re heading in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re a Web 3 enthusiast, brand manager, or domain industry expert, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
In part three of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we sit down with Cole Quinn, Principal Technical Programme Manager at Microsoft. Cole shares his experience managing Microsoft's eight dotBrand TLDs, including .MICROSOFT and .XBOX. We explore his role at Microsoft, the reasoning behind their decision to acquire these dotBrands, and the benefits and challenges of operating your own TLD. Cole also offers insights into use cases and valuable advice for future applicants.
In our 13th episode, we provide you with an overview of the Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:
With the next round of TLDs approaching, we have another new gTLD-related episode in store for you, covering ICANN's RSP pre-evaluation program.
Our host, Ashley Roberts, chats with a special guest, Kroopa Shah, Senior Director of Registry Support and Management at Identity Digital. They discussed the following topics:
In our 11th episode, we recap the Kigali Policy Forum, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:
In part two of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we met with Nisha Parkash, Head of Domain Management at Sky, to talk about the dot SKY TLD. In this episode, we discussed:
This time, we bring you a special episode, part of a series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications.
In this series, we will explore what has worked well for brands, why they decided to apply, how they chose which TLDs to apply for, and what lessons they have learned that could be used in the next round of applications.
In part one, our hosts Ashley Roberts and Stuart Fuller had a chat with Vivek Goyal, COO & Co-founder at LdotR. He shared his experience with applying for four TLDs, the difficulties he and his team encountered, and what potential applicants should be aware of if they want their own brand TLD.
In our eighth episode, we recap ICANN79 in Puerto Rico, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:
In our seventh episode, we recap ICANN78 in Hamburg, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are:
In our sixth episode, we recap 2023 so far and how the Web 3.0 landscape changed. Join us as we discuss:
Our fifth episode is all about Crypto Wallets. Join us as we navigate the world of digital wallets, providing you with essential knowledge on:
In this episode, our hosts utilise visual aids to guide you through the various topics. For a comprehensive experience, make sure to check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NmDV8WltA08
Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or just starting out, our podcast series provides valuable insights and practical tips for managing your digital assets.
Our fourth episode features Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Sandy about:
Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or just starting out, our podcast series provides valuable insights and practical tips for managing your digital assets.
Our third episode features Svetlana Ilnitskaya, Director of Global Solution Strategy at Corsearch. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Svetlana about:
Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or just starting out, our podcast series provides valuable insights and practical tips for managing your digital assets.
Our second episode features Russ Jacobs, Managing Corporate Counsel at Starbucks.In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Russ about:
Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or just starting out, our podcast series provides valuable insights and practical tips for managing your digital assets.
Our first episode features Julius Stobbs, founder of Stobbs IP. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Julius about:
Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or just starting out, our podcast series will be sure to provide valuable insights and practical tips for managing your digital assets.
