About .cal domain
.cal is a brand gTLD operated by Google (Charleston Road Registry Inc.). It was delegated to the root zone in September 2014. The registry applied for and received an exemption from ICANN's Registry Operator Code of Conduct, allowing Google to be the sole registrar and registrant for this extension. Its stated purpose as a domain product is to provide a dedicated namespace aligned with a specific Google service.
Who can register .cal domain
Registration of .cal domains is not open to the public. This TLD is a closed, single-registrant brand TLD. Google is the sole registrant and registrar for all domains under this extension. There is no commercial registration process for external parties.
How to register .cal domain
.cal is a closed brand TLD allocated exclusively for Google's internal use. Domains are not sold through commercial registrars. The registry operator, Google, manages all delegation and use of second-level domains within this namespace for its own services. There is no public application or purchase process for this TLD.
Typical uses of .cal domain
The .cal extension is used exclusively by Google for its Google Calendar product and related services. It provides a dedicated, secure namespace for the management of calendar-related functions and user experiences within the Google ecosystem. This allows for streamlined internal management and the creation of a distinctive, branded online space for this specific service, differentiating it from other generic or open TLDs.
Tips for registering .cal domain
- All domains are registered and held solely by Google; there is no public registration or transfer market.
- There is no WHOIS privacy service, as the registry operator's information is publicly listed.
- The TLD operates under a specific exemption from ICANN's standard Registry Operator Code of Conduct.
- Domain use is strictly limited to pointing to Google's offerings and services.
Frequently asked questions about .cal domain
Who operates .cal domain?
The registry for .cal domains is Google Registry, administered by Charleston Road Registry Inc..
Who can register a .cal domain?
Only Google, through its registry entity Charleston Road Registry Inc., can register domains under .cal. This is a single-registrant, brand TLD established for the company's exclusive internal use. There are no mechanisms for third parties, including the general public or other businesses, to acquire a .cal domain name.
Can I transfer a .cal domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for the .cal extension. Since Google is the sole registrar and registrant, domains cannot be transferred between different registrars or to different owners. The namespace is managed entirely internally by the registry operator for its own purposes.
Can I purchase a premium .cal domain name?
No, premium .cal domain names are not available for purchase. The entire TLD is a closed brand space operated by Google for its own services. There is no secondary market, auction platform, or registrar offering any .cal domains to the public, regardless of the perceived value of a specific second-level string.
What dispute policies apply to .cal domains?
Standard public dispute policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) do not apply, as there are no external registrants. Any internal management or potential conflicts would be governed by Google's own internal policies and its registry agreement with ICANN. The closed nature of the TLD inherently prevents most public domain disputes.
If I have a trademark for "cal", can I register a corresponding .cal domain?
No, trademark ownership does not grant any registration rights for the .cal TLD. The registry's exemption allows it to operate as a single-registrant space, meaning all registration decisions are made internally by Google. External trademark claims cannot be used to secure a domain within this closed namespace.