Sunrise Phase

What is the Sunrise Phase of a domain?

The Sunrise Phase is the first launch phase of a new gTLD.  This phase offers a first opportunity for trademark owners to secure domain names matching their trademarks within the recently launched new gTLD. Sunrise Phases serve to protect intellectual property rights and prevent scamming and fraud. 

Sunrise Phases can last anywhere between a few weeks and a few months. To be able to register your trademark during the Sunrise Phase, you need to have your trademark verified with the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH), the domain industry’s official trademark agency.

Example:

.watches is a new gTLD that launched in 2023. Its Sunrise Phase lasted from March 28, 2023, until May 7, 2023. The Sunrise Phase was followed by a brief Early Access Program, during which the domain became accessible to the general public, but at special, higher prices. .watches entered General Availability on June 7, 2023, making the domain available to everyone at its regular price.