What is the Trademark Clearinghouse? (TMCH)

The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) is the most important mechanism for protecting intellectual property rights associated with domain names and trademarks integrated into ICANN's new gTLD program. It is a centralized database of verified trademarks, connected to each new top-level domain (TLD) to be launched.

The Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) includes two primary functions: (i) authenticating contact information and verifying trademark registrations, and (ii) storing these trademark registrations in a database to provide information to new gTLD registries, and (iii) support the provision of Notification of Registered Name (NORN).

ICANN has engaged Deloitte to provide Trademark Clearinghouse Verification Services, part of the Trademark Clearinghouse: the central repository of verified trademark registrations for the purposes of brand protection in ICANN's new gTLD program.

 

 

  • As a brand owner, you can submit your brand data to the unique centralized TMCH database, both before and during the launch of new gTLDs.

  • Once this data has been verified, you will receive a unique authentication key allowing you to participate in each Sunrise period of the new TLD domains. This period gives priority to the registration of trademarks. Having your brand registered in the Clearinghouse database is the minimum requirement to be able to register your corresponding domain name during the Sunrise period of a new extension.

  • Second, if someone wants to register a domain name that matches your trademark registration in Clearinghouse, we will alert them of your rights and the custodian will have to acknowledge your rights before completing the registration.

  • If this registration is completed, you will also be informed which domain has been registered with your brand name. This way, you will be immediately informed without exception of any possible violation of your trademark in a new gTLD.

More information:
TMCH FAQ: TMCH in 60 questions
The TMCH SafeBrands offer
ICANN website: about TMCH

 

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https://safebrands.com/contact

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