F.A.Q

How does this new system change the Internet?
UnifiedRoot´s system does not change the Internet. Rather, it liberalizes Internet addressing, enabling worldwide Internet users to benefit from new freedoms of choice and expression. In simplest terms, our new TLD model allows more efficient navigation on the Internet. The TLD holder can create unlimited Second Level Domains (SLD). I.e. TLD: .cars, SLD´s: saab.cars, bmw.cars, chevrolet.cars, vauxhall.cars, fiat.cars, nissan.cars, toyota.cars. ssanyong.cars..
Websites with new TLDs are easier to locate via a simple and intuitive naming standard. Companies can therefore make better use of their brands on the web, with website designers now having the tools to establish more logical architectures. At a more fundamental level, Internet users know what they want, and their choices tend to be superior to the choices made for them by central planners. UnifiedRoot´s system allows users to gain advantage from this freedom of choice. Our alignment with organizations in the Free Software community will also increase the development of technologies supporting the "new" Internet.

Get access to the entire internet. Read more about how to "Unify"

Who controls Second Level Domains (SLDs) in the UnifiedRoot system?
SLDs will be held, offered, and managed by the TLD holder and not by UnifiedRoot. TLD holders can develop their namespace as "registries", and will therefore have full responsibility over all activity within that space.

How can I register a TLD?
Any individual or organization can register a TLD as long as the name is available and not excluded from registration. Applicants must represent that the TLD name will not infringe another party's rights, including intellectual property rights.

For how long is registration valid?
Applications are available for an initial term of 1, 2, 5 to 10 years, with the ability for active TLDs to be renewed after the initial term.

Technical requirements
In addition to the above restrictions, all the TLD names has to adhere to the following technical constraints:

• TLD names must have a minimum of 3 characters* and should not exceed 28 characters**;
• TLD names can only use the following characters:
  • the letters "a" to "z" in standard Latin script;
  • the digits "0" to "9";
  • a hyphen ("-"), although a TLD name should not begin or end with a hyphen;
  • also multilingual characters (Chinese etc).
  * TLDs consisting of 2 characters may be registered by us if requested, with the constraint that the registration of such TLD will become void if the TLD is registered by the ICANN/IANA as a country code TLD or otherwise.
  ** Although the system is designed to handle 64-character TLDs in Latin script, we are limiting registrations to 28 characters to accommodate multi-lingual TLD's.
  Where can I get a TLD?
  TLDs are sold via our resellers. Go to www.unifiedroot.com or home.unifiedroot or tldhomepage and choose "Register".
  Parties can apply and pay for TLDs online in a matter of minutes. Conditions of TLD application, registration, and use can be found on the website.
  How many TLDs can a person hold?
  There is no limit to the number of TLDs that can be registered by a single party.
  What are the technical requirements for a TLD?
  A TLD must meet the following technical requirements:
  In addition to the above restrictions, all the TLD names has to adhere to the following technical constraints:
• TLD names must have a minimum of 3 characters* and should not exceed 28 characters**;
• TLD names can only use the following characters:
  • the letters "a" to "z" in standard Latin script;
  • the digits "0" to "9";
  • a hyphen ("-"), although a TLD name should not begin or end with a hyphen;* TLDs consisting of 2 characters may be registered by us if requested, with the constraint that the registration of such TLD will become void if the TLD is registered by the ICANN/IANA as a country code TLD or otherwise.
    ** Although the system is designed to handle 64-character TLDs in Latin script, we are limiting registrations to 28 characters to accommodate multi-lingual TLD efforts, which are currently under development.

Will my TLD be seen by everyone?
The UnifiedRoot website and root servers are already globally accessible. As a result, as parties register and use new TLDs, the new Internet addressing standard will continue to expand.

Get access to the entire internet. Read more about how to resolve.

Why should I buy my TLD from UnifiedRoot instead of some other domain seller?
Domain name "registrars" are currently not in the TLD business. Rather, they allow users to register SLDs. UnifiedRoot is by far the world´s largest root operator. By using our system, ISPs are already able to resolve some 3,000 TLDs – more than 10 times than those resolved under the current regime.

Can I keep my current domain name?
Yes – there is no reason to discard your current domain name. UnifiedRoot recognizes the TLDs existing in the roots of ICANN and IANA. However, governments, businesses, ISPs, and individual Internet users around the world will increasingly have their own TLDs, and Internet users will increasingly gain access to these new TLDs and the concomitant benefits of the "new" Internet. In the meantime, your current domain name will be recognized by UnifiedRoot.

What is your "First-Come, First-Served" policy?
TLD applicants are given priority in accordance with "enhanced" first-come, first-served principles. UnifiedRoot policies are intended to reflect the best industry practices regarding domain name registration. Our TLD registration policies have been the subject of intense due diligence, and are designed to achieve a balance between the practical realities of TLD registration with the legitimate interests of intellectual property holders. We believe the result is fair and objective. Nonetheless, we will continue to seek the advice of interested parties to maintain a proper balance among divergent interests.

How can I access new TLDs?
To be able to browse the entire Internet, both www.unifiedroot.com AND home.unifiedroot, your PC has to be connected to the UnifiedRoot system. In technical terms: you have to use DNS servers that query the domain names on the UnifiedRoot network.
We have developed a tool to automatically change your DNS settings with the "UnifyMe" tool. You can of course choose to change your settings manually. Read more about how to Resolve

What is the DNS?
The DNS (domain name system) helps users to navigate the Internet by making locations easier to remember. All computers connected to the Internet have a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address – a string of numbers that operates similar to a telephone number. Because IP addresses are rather long, they are hard to remember. To simplify communications on the Internet, the DNS matches a string of letters (the domain name) with the numbers in an IP address. Thus, instead of typing a number like 83.138.178.218, you can enter http://www.unifiedroot.com/. The DNS then links these strings to take you where you wish to go.

What is a "root"?
The Internet is built somewhat like the root system of a tree, with one main root at the top and with lots of smaller end points at the bottom. Each place along the root system that breaks into more paths we call a "domain", and the highest level of this is called the "top-level domain" (TLD). The next level down is the "second-level domain" (SLD), and so forth.
Ideally, there might be only one root, but there are lots of entities that want to manage their own system. So there are lots of "tops" to the root system, which may make it hard to find the place on the Internet that you need to identify quickly.

What governance model will UnifiedRoot follow?
UnifiedRoot operates in an open and transparent fashion, and is subject to corporate governance standards established under Dutch law – articles of association, written policies, processes, procedures, as well as a Code of Conduct.

What registration model will UnifiedRoot follow?
UnifiedRoot has put in place a strict structure of objective registration policies. UnifiedRoot is currently developing an international advisory board with representatives who are knowledgeable and active in the Internet sector. The TLD application process is subject to existing intellectual property rights, and UnifiedRoot may refuse TLD applications that (risk to) infringe a third party's intellectual property rights. If an application is rejected on this basis, UnifiedRoot is not obliged to return application fees. The company believes these policies will substantially reduce the registration of TLDs for purely speculative reasons. The company will continue to refine these policies based on input from the industry, with any amendments applying from the moment of their publication.

How does UnifiedRoot impact ICANN?
UnifiedRoot will operate in parallel with ICANN. However, to avoid conflicts between TLDs to the largest extent possible, a party may not register a TLD that already exists under a root server system recognized but not managed by UnifiedRoot (e.g., it will not be possible to register the TLD ".com" as that TLD already exists under the ICANN root server system).

Is there any advantage in using a UnifiedRoot TLD?
With UnifiedRoot, anyone can apply for a TLD with a desired term such as ".wine", ".tickets", or ".forsale". The new structure means TLD holders can issue and control an unlimited number of SLD names, such as "red.wine", white.wine", or "airline.tickets". Similarly, for companies, their own TLD enables a company to make its web address synonymous with its name. The new structure offers companies opportunities to profile themselves by adopting an efficient, logical, and simple addressing standard making their brands easier to locate on the web (e.g., "info.linuxinternational"). As a result, companies can manage traffic to their websites more effectively, navigating users directly to the information for which they are searching, thereby promoting and projecting their brands more effectively. The system also allows website architectures to be designed more logically and reduce reliance on search engines. While search engines provide a valuable function, they are not well suited for immediately locating sites that are less well known. By increasing the "signal-to-noise" ratio, the UnifiedRoot expects throughput to increase and access time to be reduced. Overall, the broad availability of TLDs will allow all users – whether working via PCs, mobile handsets, or other devices – to navigate the Internet more efficiently and rapidly.

What makes UnifiedRoot´s approach different?
We support a private, free-market approach in the registration and use of domain names. We have assembled a growing team of experienced and respected business and technical experts who are interested in opening the "real" Internet without artificial restrictions. We are not "against" anything or anybody, and do not support the aggressive approach advocated by some parties in the Internet industry – but neither do we encourage bureaucratic indecision. Rather, we are taking steps to implement the natural evolution of the Internet – to actually do some of the things smart and dedicated people have been discussing, proposing, and debating for too many years. Further, we are not dealing with second-level domains. Our focus is on the top level – and for the first time (as far as we are aware), we are offering corporate and other applicants the opportunity to register TLDs that are specific to their own brands or their own interests – worldwide.

When will the "new" Internet become available worldwide?
As a result of UnifiedRoot, the Open Domain Names Initiative is underway and new TLDs are available now. As parties register and use new TLDs, and ISPs resolve them, the new Internet "standard" will continue to expand exponentially. As the Open Domain Names Initiative is accepted by governments, businesses, ISPs, and individual Internet users, the faster it will be available.

To be able to browse the entire Internet, both www.unifiedroot.com AND home.unifiedroot, your PC has to be connected to the UnifiedRoot system. In technical terms: you have to use DNS servers that query the domain names on the UnifiedRoot network.
We have developed a tool to automatically change your DNS settings with the "UnifyMe" tool. You can of course choose to change your settings manually. Read more about how to resolve/UnifyMe.

What does UnifiedRoot intend to achieve?
UnifiedRoot believes it has created a logical and the essential next step in the evolution of Internet addressing. We are building a user-base as part of the Open Domain Names Initiative, without the restrictions of the current domain name regime, which is the subject of longstanding and intense criticism. A new domain naming system is a natural progression in the evolution of the Internet.

How do you maintain fairness in registering TLDs?
We recognize this is a complex issue and have adopted basic screening procedures in an effort to avoid the most blatant intellectual property violations. To protect the interests of intellectual property holders, as well as public bodies and educational institutions, certain TLDs may not be registered. Applicants need to acknowledge and agree that the TLD they seek to register does not infringe any other party's right, and thus take full legal responsibility for their actions. Furthermore, UnifiedRoot may refuse TLD applications that (risk to) infringe any third party's intellectual property rights.

What steps will UnifiedRoot take to prevent "TLD squatting" – the purchase of significant numbers of TLDs just to hold for ransom?
The TLD application process is subject to existing intellectual property rights and UnifiedRoot may refuse TLD applications that (risk to) infringe a third party's intellectual property rights. In order to encourage adherence to this policy, UnifiedRoot is not obliged to refund application fees.

Does UnifiedRoot offer multi-lingual TLDs?
Multi-lingual TLDs are available now.

What if there´s a trademark dispute between a TLD holder and another party?
At this point, UnifiedRoot will not be involved in policing or resolving trademark or other intellectual property disputes. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising under, out of or relating to a dispute between you and any party other than us over the registration and use of a TLD registered by you, shall be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the WIPO Arbitration Rules. The arbitral tribunal shall consist of a sole arbitrator. The place of arbitration shall be Amsterdam. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The dispute, controversy or claim shall be decided in accordance with the law of the Netherlands.
If we are made aware that a dispute concerning your TLD Registration is pending before a court or arbiter, we will put this TLD on hold until a final judgment has been reached, i.e. it is no longer possible to alter the characteristics of the TLD (this includes without limitation that the registration cannot be cancelled or transferred, nor can the TLD holder's details be amended).
If we receive an executable legal decision from an arbitrator, judge or similar arbitration body or a mutual agreement to transfer or cancel the TLD, we will execute this transfer or cancellation.

Some people say that allowing registration of new TLDs will create chaos in the market. How do you respond to such claims?
Some people also claim the current regime is in a state of chaos, with many parties talking, but with little meaningful communication or progress. UnifiedRoot does not anticipate the coalescence of opinion regarding the Internet or the allocation of domain names in the near future. In the meantime, we are pursuing free-market and free-expression principles to address pent-up demand for TLDs. We are taking reasonable precautions to satisfy this demand while respecting settled law and the integrity of the Internet.

Where can I find the Terms&Conditions?
Conditions of TLD application, registration and use can be found on our website.
Terms & conditions

Will anyone be able to apply for a TLD for any purpose?
You can apply for any TLD you like, subject to any other party´s intellectual property rights, some reserved names (e.g. country and public safety names) and other terms in our service agreement, and policies or decisions by legal bodies with competent jurisdiction. TLD holders are responsible for their namespace, and we believe content regulation and censorship should remain the province of national bodies.

Who will monitor the new Internet rules and regulations?
UnifiedRoot will administer TLD applications and their resolution within the UnifiedRoot DNS, but it will neither maintain, nor seek control over, any content on the Internet. There are many intelligent and committed parties discussing, debating, and designing models regarding how the Internet should be governed. To the extent these discussions lead to consensus, we will collaborate with the relevant parties. At this point, however, UnifiedRoot takes no position on the Internet governance debate, other than as expressed in our core principles.

Should I change my ISP host in order to use my new TLD?
There is no reason to change your ISP, but we recommend that you ask your ISP to resolve UnifiedRoot. Change the DNS in your system in those of UnifiedRoot to access the UnifiedRoot system. Choose two of the three.

ns1.unifiedroot.net 83.138.178.218
ns2.unifiedroot.net 72.3.208.251
ns3.unifiedroot.net 203.142.18.42

To be able to browse the entire Internet, both www.unifiedroot.com AND home.unifiedroot, your PC has to be connected to the UnifiedRoot system. In technical terms: you have to use DNS servers that query the domain names on the UnifiedRoot network.
We have developed a tool to automatically change your DNS settings with the "UnifyMe" tool. You can of course choose to change your settings manually. Read more about how to resolve.

Now also available www.tldhomepage.com with many example of already registered TLDs.

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