About .open domain
.open is a brand gTLD (generic top-level domain) proposed under ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant is American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., and the proposed registry operator is Neustar. As a brand TLD, its primary stated purpose is to create a trusted, hierarchical namespace for the applicant's brands and services. The application indicates the registry intends to initially limit registrations to the applicant and its affiliates, with a potential future evaluation of expanding registration to other parties.
Who can register .open domain
Registration within the .open TLD is intended to be strictly restricted. Initially, only American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. and its applicable subsidiaries and affiliates will be permitted to register domain names. The application does not describe a process for public or third-party registration. Should the registry later decide to expand registration, it would likely involve a new business strategy and fee-based registrations, but this remains a potential future evaluation, not a current offering.
How to register .open domain
This TLD is not allocated through commercial registrars. The proposed allocation process is controlled entirely by the applicant, American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Domain names will be registered directly by the registry to the applicant and its designated subsidiaries and affiliates. There is no public application or purchase process described. The registry's internal evaluation will determine any future strategy for potentially expanding registration beyond its own organization.
Typical uses of .open domain
The .open TLD is designed for use by American Express, specifically its OPEN division which serves small business owners. It is intended to provide a trusted online channel for tools, services, and content related to American Express brands, such as charge cards, rewards programs, travel services, and expense management. This brand-specific extension aims to enhance the company's online identity and marketing efforts for its small business services, creating a dedicated namespace distinct from generic TLDs like .com.
Tips for registering .open domain
- Initial registrations are restricted to the applicant and its affiliates, meaning there is no public registration process or associated pricing.
- The registry has stated it may evaluate a future business strategy to allow fee-based registrations to external parties, but this is not guaranteed.
- As a proposed brand TLD, its operation is intended to be exempt from ICANN's annual Code of Conduct Compliance requirements due to its limited distribution model.