ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) plans to launch the first of the registries associated with the new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) in mid-2013.

In association with the launch, ICANN is establishing a global Trademark Clearinghouse to help protect trademark owners from future domain name infringements involving the new gTLDs. The Clearinghouse is intended to function as the central repository of authenticated registered trademarks – it will eliminate the need for trademark holders to register their marks in many different verification databases as new gTLDs are launched. ICANN will require every new gTLD operator to utilize the Clearinghouse.

The Trademark Clearinghouse will accept registrations starting March 26, 2013. Clearinghouse registrations will primarily be used to support (a) sunrise registrations and (b) rights protection mechanisms.