Application Window Opens for .BRAND Domains
CSC, an enterprise-class domain registrar, is urging companies to apply for .BRAND domains as a defence against AI-driven domain threats. Applications are being accepted from 30th April to 12th August 2026. This limited window offers businesses a chance to secure their own .BRAND TLDs.
The .BRAND domain ownership grants organisations exclusive control over their domain infrastructure, significantly reducing risks from phishing and spoofing attacks. ICANN has not opened applications for new gTLDs, including .BRANDs, since 2012, making this a rare opportunity.
“The cyber threat landscape has escalated dramatically since the last .BRAND registration period in 2012, with AI now increasing the volume and complexity of various cyber risks,” says Gretchen Olive, Vice President of Policy & Strategic Account Management at CSC.
.BRAND Domains Offer Security and Trust
CSC manages over one-third of all .BRAND domains globally, supporting brands in aligning digital infrastructure with security strategies. Custom .BRAND domains enhance security and brand trust by eliminating third-party lookalike registrations. These domains align with broader enterprise security strategies and complement existing endpoint threat intelligence investments.
In 2012, during the first application round, CSC’s dedicated .BRAND team successfully prepared, submitted, and supported over 250 .BRAND applications, achieving a 100% success rate. The company continues to provide registry management and operational support for existing holders.
Ihab Shraim, CTO at CSC, stated, “AI is reshaping how buyers and stakeholders discover and evaluate brands. Success in 2026 and beyond hinges on how well an organisation shows up for GEO and AEO.”
The application process for a .BRAND domain requires six to eight weeks of preparation. Enterprises should evaluate this opportunity promptly to meet the August deadline. With ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications, CSC offers global enterprises the ability to choose from multiple registry back-end partner systems hosted across multiple countries, meeting industry- and country-specific requirements around security, data processing, and privacy.
“CSC supports us with the whole operational package around our three .BRANDS,” states Charlotte Falck, head of Group Trademarks and Brand Related IP. “The compliance that we have to undertake according to the ICANN programme is extensive and also quite complicated if I may say so. So, we have outsourced everything to CSC, and I think it works very well.”
