About .tmall domain
.tmall is a brand gTLD (generic top-level domain) operated by Alibaba Group Holding Limited. It was delegated to the root zone in January 2016, with Neustar serving as the backend registry services provider. As a brand TLD, its primary purpose is for exclusive use by the registry operator and its affiliates, rather than for open public registration. The application was part of ICANN's New gTLD Program, where it was categorized as a single-registrant TLD.
Who can register .tmall domain
Registration of .tmall domains is not open to the general public. This TLD is a single-registrant, brand-protected extension where all domain name registrations are registered to, and maintained by, the registry operator, Alibaba Group, for its own exclusive use. Control or use of registrations is not sold, distributed, or transferred to any third party that is not an affiliate of the operator. Therefore, eligibility is strictly limited to Alibaba Group and its approved affiliates.
How to register .tmall domain
As a single-registrant, brand TLD, .tmall domains are not allocated through a commercial registrar checkout process. All domains are registered and maintained internally by the registry operator, Alibaba Group. The allocation process is determined solely by the operator for its own use and that of its affiliates. There is no mechanism for external entities or individuals to apply for or purchase these domains through standard registration channels.
Typical uses of .tmall domain
The .tmall TLD is used exclusively by Alibaba Group and its affiliates for online properties related to its Tmall Marketplace, a major business-to-consumer (B2C) platform. It serves as a dedicated digital namespace for the Tmall brand, reinforcing its identity as an independent shopping destination separate from the broader Alibaba ecosystem. This use allows for secure, brand-coherent web addresses for official services, marketing campaigns, and partner portals under the Tmall umbrella.
Tips for registering .tmall domain
- This TLD operates under a single-registrant model, meaning all domains are owned and controlled by the registry operator.
- There is no public market for registering, transferring, or purchasing .tmall domain names.
- Policies regarding the use of domains, including any internal allocation to affiliates, are set and managed entirely by Alibaba Group.
Frequently asked questions about .tmall domain
Who operates .tmall domain?
The registry for .tmall domains is Alibaba, administered by Alibaba Group Holding Limited.
Who can register a .tmall domain?
Registration is restricted to Alibaba Group Holding Limited and its affiliates. The TLD was applied for and delegated as a brand TLD with a single-registrant model, as defined in the ICANN Registry Agreement. This means the registry operator does not offer domain registrations to unrelated third parties, ensuring the namespace remains exclusively under the brand's control for its official online presence.
Can I transfer a .tmall domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not applicable for the .tmall extension. Since all domains are registered to and maintained by the registry operator under a single-registrant model, there is no secondary market or mechanism for transferring a .tmall domain between registrars or to a different registrant. Domain management is handled internally by Alibaba Group.
Can I register a .tmall domain if I am a seller on the Tmall Marketplace?
No, being a seller or partner on the Tmall Marketplace does not grant eligibility to register a .tmall domain name. The TLD is a proprietary brand asset reserved for the registry operator's exclusive use. Partners and sellers typically use subdomains or other domain extensions for their storefronts, while the .tmall namespace is used only for Alibaba Group's core platform and affiliated official properties.
What dispute policies apply to .tmall domains?
Given the closed, single-registrant nature of this TLD, standard public dispute policies like the UDRP (Uniform Domain-Name Dispute Resolution Policy) are largely theoretical, as no external registrations exist. Any internal disputes regarding the use of a domain name within the Alibaba Group affiliate structure would be governed by the registry operator's internal policies and contractual agreements, not by public ICANN consensus policies.
Will .tmall domains ever become available for public registration?
The application and delegation were specifically for a brand TLD intended for the registry operator's exclusive use. While ICANN's Registry Agreement includes provisions for transitioning a registry, the stated intent during application was to maintain a single-registrant model. Any future change to an open registration model would require a fundamental change in policy by the registry operator and likely involve a formal ICANN approval process.