About .book domain
.book is a brand generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Amazon. It was delegated to the root zone in December 2015 after Amazon emerged as the sole applicant from a private auction held in November 2014. The application process involved multiple competing applicants and received a GAC Early Warning concerning its status as a closed generic string. As a product, it is a closed TLD intended for exclusive use by the registry operator.
Who can register .book domain
Registration for .book domains is not available to the general public. This is a closed or "brand" TLD, meaning the registry operator, Amazon, is the sole entity that can register domains within this extension. There is no public registration process, and no third parties—including individuals, businesses, or organizations—can apply for or purchase a .book domain name. The TLD is reserved entirely for Amazon's own use.
How to register .book domain
.book is a closed generic top-level domain not issued through commercial registrars. Domains within this extension are allocated solely by the registry operator, Amazon, for its own use. There is no public application or purchase process. The delegation and management of domains under .book are handled internally by Amazon, and no third-party registration services are available.
Typical uses of .book domain
As a closed gTLD, .book is used exclusively by its registry operator, Amazon. The extension is associated with the book industry and related products or services. Amazon utilizes this TLD to create branded online spaces under its control, potentially for specific projects, services, or initiatives related to books, publishing, or reading. This exclusive control allows the registry to maintain a curated and secure namespace aligned with its brand.
Tips for registering .book domain
- This is a closed TLD; there is no public registration, so standard pricing, renewal, or transfer policies do not apply.
- WHOIS privacy, transfer locks, and grace periods are internal registry matters not relevant to public registrants.
- There are no premium domain sales or registration terms for the public, as all domains are held by the registry.
- The registry's internal policies govern all aspects of domain creation, use, and management under this extension.
Frequently asked questions about .book domain
Who operates .book domain?
The registry for .book domains is Amazon Registry, administered by Amazon Registry Services, Inc..
Who can register a .book domain?
.book is a closed brand TLD, meaning registration is completely restricted. Only the registry operator, Amazon, can register domains ending in .book. There is no eligibility process, verification, or documentation for external parties, as the extension is not offered for public sale through any registrar. This structure is defined in the original ICANN application and delegation agreement.
Can I transfer a .book domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for the .book extension. Since Amazon is the sole registrant for all domains under this TLD, there is no mechanism to transfer a .book domain between registrars or to a different registrant. Domain management, including any internal reassignments, is handled entirely within the registry's own infrastructure and not subject to standard transfer policies like those for open TLDs.
What was the application process for the .book gTLD?
The .book string attracted multiple applicants during ICANN's New gTLD Program. A private auction was held in November 2014, which left Amazon as the sole remaining applicant. Amazon's application succeeded, and the TLD was delegated in December 2015. Other notable applicants included Donuts, Google, and Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd., who withdrew or lost their contention claims.
What is a "closed generic" TLD, and how does it apply to .book?
A "closed generic" is a gTLD representing a generic, dictionary-word string where the registry restricts registration to itself or affiliated entities. .book is a prime example, as Amazon operates it exclusively for its own use. This model attracted scrutiny during the application phase, including a GAC Early Warning and objections from booksellers concerned about anti-competitive effects in the book industry.
Can a trademark holder challenge or acquire a .book domain through a sunrise period?
No, there was no sunrise period for trademark holders. As a closed TLD, .book did not implement the standard Sunrise or Trademark Claims services mandated for open gTLDs. The registry did not accept applications from trademark owners during any launch phase. All domain registrations are initiated and controlled solely by Amazon, with no external allocation mechanisms.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .book domains?
Standard ICANN policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) are typically required for gTLDs. However, for a closed TLD like .book where the registry is the only registrant, the practical application of such policies is limited. Any disputes would likely be internal matters or involve the registry's compliance with its commitments to ICANN, rather than public complaints between unrelated parties.