About .food domain
.food is a proposed generic top-level domain (gTLD) that was applied for during ICANN's New gTLD Program. The string was the subject of contention, with three separate applicants: Donuts (via Wild Orchard, LLC), Dot Food, LLC, and Lifestyle Domain Holdings, Inc. The application process involved formal objections and GAC Early Warnings, highlighting the competitive interest in this common generic string. Its status remains proposed, and it has not been delegated as a live, registrable TLD.
Who can register .food domain
As a proposed and undelegated TLD, .food domains are not available for registration by anyone. The source material details the application phase involving corporate entities, but it does not describe a live registry with public registration policies. Should it become active, eligibility would be determined by the eventual registry operator and ICANN contract.
How to register .food domain
Since .food is not an active, delegated top-level domain, there is no standard commercial registration process. The information provided covers the ICANN application phase, where entities submitted bids to operate the TLD. The actual process to obtain a domain would only be established if one of the applicants successfully completes the delegation process and launches the TLD for public registration.
Typical uses of .food domain
If delegated, the .food extension would logically be used by businesses, professionals, and enthusiasts within the food industry. This could include restaurants, food bloggers, culinary schools, food product manufacturers, and recipe websites seeking a direct and memorable web address. The TLD would offer a clear, topical alternative to broader extensions like .com for entities whose primary focus is food.
Tips for registering .food domain
- The TLD is currently proposed and not active; therefore, no registration terms, pricing, or policies are in effect.
- Any future launch would likely involve sunrise periods for trademark holders and landrush phases, as indicated by the Legal Rights Objection process during the application.
- The contention between multiple applicants suggests that, if delegated, the registry operator's specific rules for premium names and registration requirements would need to be reviewed.
Frequently asked questions about .food domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .food domain?
As of today, .food domains start from $1.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $50.00/yr across 18 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .food domains?
NameBeta tracks 18 registrars that support .food domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .food domain?
The registry for .food domains is Internet Naming Co..
Who can register a .food domain?
Currently, no one can register a .food domain as it is not a live TLD. The source discusses applicants who sought to operate the registry, not end-user registrants. Should it launch, the registry operator would define eligibility, which could be open to all or include specific registration policies.
Can I transfer a .food domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfer policies are not applicable because .food is not an active TLD. For any future delegation, standard ICANN transfer policies would likely apply, but the specific implementation would be determined by the registry operator's agreement with ICANN.
Were there any objections to the .food applications?
Yes, there were formal objections during the ICANN application process. A Legal Rights Objection was filed by Scripps Networks Interactive against two applicants. Additionally, the Australian GAC representative issued an Early Warning for one application, citing concerns about granting exclusive access to a common generic string and potential negative impacts on competition.
What was the controversy involving Wolfgang Puck?
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck initially partnered with a company to apply for .food, with plans to promote its use within the food industry. The partnership dissolved and led to a lawsuit alleging interference and breach of contract. The court eventually dismissed the case with prejudice, instructing both parties to settle their differences privately.
What happens when multiple companies apply for the same TLD string?
When multiple applications are submitted for the same string, it enters a state of "contention." The applicants must then resolve this among themselves, typically through private negotiations, forming a joint venture, or participating in an ICANN-administered auction. The winner of this process then proceeds toward contracting and delegation.
