At the conclusion of the sunrise period for reserving .XXX domain names, the ICM Registry reported that they received over 80,000 applications. In order to apply in the sunrise period, an applicant needed a trademark and about $200 (per domain name).
The .XXX landrush, which began on November 8, is less restrictive and may be less expensive. Applicants don’t need a trademark, and the application fee plus registration fee is generally less than $200. The application fee is non-refundable, and if more than one application is received, the domain name will go to auction.
The major difference between the landrush and Sunrise B is that landrush applicants can use their .XXX domain names, while Sunrise B allowed applicants to prevent their trademarks from being used by anyone.
I think it will be very interesting to see how many landrush applications are received. In my opinion, the non-refundable application fee may be a deterrent, since that is a sunk cost whether you are the winner or not. If you’re paying an average of $75 per application, it’s going to cost $750 just to have a chance to get 10 names. With Sunrise B, even if an applicant shared a trademark with another company or organization, the applicant would be just as happy if the application was awarded to another party, since that would mean the name wouldn’t be used.
All that said, I am curious about how many landrush applications you think the ICM Registry will receive. The landrush period ends on November 25.
Landrush applications will be above then 50,000.