About .lifestyle domain
.lifestyle is a brand gTLD (generic top-level domain) proposed under ICANN's New gTLD Program by Lifestyle Domain Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. The applicant intended to operate it under a Specification 9 exemption from the standard Registry Operator Code of Conduct. This would have made it a "closed generic" TLD, where all registrations are controlled by the registry operator and its affiliates for their exclusive use. The extension was designed to function as a branded, trusted space rather than an open, public namespace.
Who can register .lifestyle domain
Registration in the .lifestyle TLD is not open to the general public. As a brand TLD intended to operate under a Specification 9 exemption, all domain name registrations would be registered to, maintained by, and controlled exclusively by Lifestyle Domain Holdings, Inc. Domains would be allocated only for the benefit of the applicant, its parent company Scripps Networks Interactive, and its affiliated entities. There is no process for independent entities or individuals to register a .lifestyle domain.
How to register .lifestyle domain
As a proposed closed brand TLD, .lifestyle domains are not allocated through a commercial registrar checkout process. The registry operator, Lifestyle Domain Holdings, Inc., would internally control all domain name registrations. These domains would be registered directly by the registry for use by itself and its corporate affiliates. There is no mechanism for external parties to apply for or purchase these domains, as the entire namespace is reserved for the registry's private use.
Typical uses of .lifestyle domain
The .lifestyle TLD was envisioned as a branded online space for content and experiences related to lifestyle topics. It was intended to host programming, information, social media, and e-commerce affiliated with Scripps Networks Interactive's family of lifestyle brands, which focus on areas like travel, design, food, and home life. The goal was to provide users with a curated and authentic environment centered around these lifestyle themes, ensuring all content was directly connected to the parent company's trusted brands.
Tips for registering .lifestyle domain
- The TLD was proposed to operate as a "closed generic," meaning the registry would not sell domains to any party outside its corporate family.
- All domains would be registered and maintained indefinitely by the registry operator for its own use.
- There is no public pricing, renewal structure, or WHOIS privacy service, as the namespace is not commercially available.
- Domain management and DNS configuration would be handled internally by the registry and its technical partners.
Frequently asked questions about .lifestyle domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .lifestyle domain?
As of today, .lifestyle domains start from $1.24/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $50.00/yr across 15 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .lifestyle domains?
NameBeta tracks 15 registrars that support .lifestyle domain registration, with the cheapest option at $1.24/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .lifestyle domain?
The registry for .lifestyle domains is Internet Naming Co..
Who can register a .lifestyle domain?
Only Lifestyle Domain Holdings, Inc., its parent company Scripps Networks Interactive, and their corporate affiliates are eligible to hold .lifestyle domains. The application explicitly stated the intent to function as a closed registry, with all registrations controlled by the applicant. There is no public registration process, and domains are not available for purchase by individuals, trademark holders, or unrelated businesses.
Can I transfer a .lifestyle domain between registrars?
Transfers of .lifestyle domains between registrars are not applicable, as all domains are held directly by the registry operator. Since the TLD is designed as a closed brand space, there is no standard inter-registrar transfer policy for public use. Any internal re-assignment of domains among the registry's affiliated entities would be managed privately, outside of ICANN's typical transfer procedures.
What is a Specification 9 exemption?
A Specification 9 exemption is a provision in the ICANN Registry Agreement that allows a registry operator to be exempt from the Code of Conduct that typically requires open and non-discriminatory access. For .lifestyle, this exemption was sought to operate as a "closed generic" TLD, where the registry does not sell domains to the public and uses them exclusively for its own branded purposes. This structure is intended for brand TLDs that serve as a private corporate namespace.
Can a trademark holder secure a .lifestyle domain during a Sunrise period?
No, a trademark-based Sunrise period would not be offered for .lifestyle. Because the applicant intended to operate under a closed registry model, all domains are reserved for the registry's own use. Standard rights protection mechanisms like Sunrise registrations for trademark holders do not apply, as there is no phase where domains are made available to external entities, even those with validated trademarks.
What happens if the Specification 9 exemption is not granted?
The applicant stated that if the exemption was not granted, they would partner with a corporate registrar with technical expertise to run the registry in compliance with ICANN guidelines. However, even in this scenario, the application indicates the intent was still to control all registrations for the benefit of its affiliates, suggesting a highly restricted allocation model rather than an open public registration.
