Similar new gTLDs

Domain name extensions can look very similar

Choosing the right domain name is like choosing a Trademark, it has to be taken seriously: it is a long time investment for the image of a trademark or a company.

If new gTLDs have brought new options to those in charge of creating a name or a Trademark (precision, availability, novelty), they also brought the possibility to make terrible mistakes when choosing the right extension for a domain name. Here is what I suggest to do prior to registering a domain name OR thinking about creating a new domain name extension:

  1. I'd suggest to take a look at the list of "Singular versus Plural new gTLDs" and wonder:
    • What if I someone else buys (and starts to use) my exact same domain name in its plural version?
    • If I buy both domain names (one to use and one as a redirection to the first one): what will be the trend in 5 years? Am I sure that I am making the right choice to use the plural version of the extension instead of the singular one or should I just consider an extension which is "single"?
  2. I'd suggest to carefully check the complete list of new gTLD applications by alphabetical order (this one takes time).

The same applies for Trademarks who will start to, or have started to, use their .BRAND new gTLD. Some strings can be the same with just one letter added. What happens if someone sends an email to Aigo Digital Technology Co,Ltd. (".AIGO" new gTLD) and forgets the last "O"? The email will just never be received by the right person, because it will have been sent to a complete different company: American International Group, Inc. (owner of the ".AIG" new gTLD).

List of confusing new gTLDs

Below is the updated list of new gTLDs with similarities, it is now possible to comment the sheet below for possible additions. We are happy to offer this document to new gTLD consultants, domain name experts and ICANN accredited Registrars: we are confident that they will find a good use of this document for their clients :-)

similar

No IDNs

I added translations of all TLDs but IDNs (since I don't understand most of them). For example, the .CATHOLIC new gTLD was delegated in other languages with IDN scripts: these were not included in that list but they do exist.

ccTLDs

Many of the TLDs above can be very similar to country code Top-Level domains (ccTLDs). For example, the .VIN new gTLD is similar to the .VN (for Vietnam) extension. I suggest to check the list of ccTLDs too