This simple visualization illustrates the reality of brand protection in fresh TLDs

A visualization of reality for brand protection costs and fresh top level domain names.

One thing that’s clear from talking to various people at ICANN 50 this stretch is that they are surprised by the low level of defensive trademark registrations in fresh TLDs.

The trademark lobby expected a nightmare. Fresh TLD applicants expected a lot less, but still more than they got.

Here’s the reality in a simple chart:

No harm done to the trademark lobby for exaggerating the cost? Not really. People will point out the results of brand protection in this round when creating the next round of TLD expansion.