As first reported in our December 2013 newsletter, the first new generic top-level domains (gTLDs, the group of letters after the "dot" in a domain name) have launched their "Sunrise" registration periods.

As of December 31, Sunrise periods are open for the following new gTLDs:

• .YACHTS   
• .BOATS
• .xn--tckwe (.コム - Japanese for ".com")
• .HOTELES
• .BET
• .BIBLE
• .barcelona
• .PET
• .istanbul
• .ist

ICANN maintains an up-to-date list of all open Sunrise periods here. This list also provides the closing date of the Sunrise period. We will endeavor to provide information regarding new gTLD launches via this monthly newsletter, but please refer to the list on ICANN's website for the most up-to-date information – as the list of approved/launched domains can change daily.

Because new gTLD options will be coming on the market over the next year, brand owners should review the list of new gTLDs to identify those that are of interest.