GlobalBlock Questions & Answers
GLOBALBLOCK BASICS
What is GlobalBlock?
GlobalBlock is the world’s first unified domain name blocking service, and the beginning of a new era for online brand protection. GlobalBlock instantly blocks all available names matching your customer’s brand in hundreds of domain extensions simultaneously, providing a level of protection for brand owners not previously possible. GlobalBlock is intended to be the internet blocking service for trademark owners and brands who want to ensure that 3rd parties can not freely register their brands in random domain names spaces. As GlobalBlock grows it will become the gold standard and a must have for brands that want to protect their brand on the internet.
GLOBALBLOCK BASICS
What problems is GlobalBlock solving?
The current domain name system has been traditionally fractured: Registries up until now have not collaborated to address cybersquatting of domain name impersonation. With thousands of generic TLDs, the opportunity for abuse is enormous. As a result domain name squatting and phishing-related incidents is staggeringly high. While there has been some effort to introduce blocking services in the past (such as the DPML), they have only represented a small part of the internet and many of the major TLDs have not participated.
GlobalBlock brings together Registries from around the world to address the issue of domain name squatting. It incorporates traditional TLDs, new gTLDs and country-specific TLDs. It is hoped that the GlobalBlock will be implemented by almost every Registry in the world, making it the gold standard in Global Blocking Services.
Too many domain name spaces to protect: With over 1600 domain name spaces it is almost impossible to protect your brands in every TLD. Bad actors take advantage of the unregulated nature of the domain name system and register brand names in random spaces in order to trick customers. Unfortunately, the problem is only going to get worse, as a new round of gTLDs is planned for 2026 bringing even more domain name spaces to the already overcrowded TLD market.
With GlobalBlock brands only need to register their brand in the TLD spaces where they are active, for every other domain name space, they can just apply GlobalBlock to protect from 3rd party registrations.
High cost of defensive domains: Registering & renewing every TLD is prohibitively expensive nor administratively practical. Bad actors take advantage of this and often we see branded domain name in random (and often cheap) domain name spaces, such as .xyz, .cyou etc.
GlobalBlock introduces one fee to block hundreds (and soon thousands) of domain name spaces.
GLOBALBLOCK BASICS
How do I apply to participate in GlobalBlock?
Simply complete the GlobalBlock query form here and we will manage your application, liaise with you on documentation and manage the submission and communication with the GSA.
GLOBALBLOCK BASICS
How many TLDs are blocked?
GlobalBlock is set to launch its domain name blocking service with a substantial initial offering of over 600 Top-Level Domains (TLDs) in February. This extensive coverage includes a wide array of traditional TLDs, the latest array of new TLDs, as well as country code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs). With an ambitious expansion strategy in place, GlobalBlock plans to rapidly extend its reach into the thousands of domain name spaces.
For a current list of participating TLDs, please contact us for the latest list.
global block ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible for GlobalBlock?
GlobalBlock is a brand protection initiaitve aimed at brands that care about their IP and presence online. As such to be eligible for the GlobalBlock programme, applicants must be:
– Registered Trademark Owners, An active nationally o regionally registered trademark.
– Unregistered Trademark Owners, A mark created by a business to signify or distinguish a product or service.
– Company or Organisation, Registered Companies & Trading As names
– Celebrity, Famous persons, sports stars and personalities, political figures, actors, public figures etc
GLOBALBLOCK TIMINGS
When can I participate in GlobalBlock?
Key dates are as follows:
– Early Adopters Programme 31 Jan 2023 – 31 April 2023 (early release)
– GlobalBlock General Availability commences on 15 February 2023
global block COSTS
What is the cost benefit of GlobalBlock?
Compared to individual registrations, blocking represents significant cost benefits and unlike domain registrations there’s no need to maintain each individual domain. In addition to being a cheaper way to protect your brand, GlobalBlock will also save brands time and resources persuing bad actors squatting, or infringing, on their brand in various TLD spaces.
global block PRIORITY AUTO CATCH
What is Priority Auto Catch?
GlobalBlock’s blocking technology work’s in the background beyond the initial order and will catch any domain that could not be blocked the very moment it becomes available. For example, if you placed as GlobalBlock on “acme”, but “acme.online” was already registered, the moment it expires it will automatically be blocked by the Registry so not other party can register it.
global block UNBLOCK
Can I unblock a specific domain I want?
Yes, GlobalBlock owners may request that a specific domain name blocked by their GlobalBlock service be made available for use (registration).
global block TERM
What is the registration term of GlobalBlock?
The registration term of GlobalBlock is 1, 2 and 3 years. AutoBlock is automatically renewed by the Registry unless prompted to cancel.
global block DPML
What if I am an existing DPML customer?
DPML domains are included in GlobalBlock, therefore existing DPML customers will get the following:
– DPML Upgrade, DPML registrants with expirations scheduled for 2024 are eligible to purchase a full GlobalBlock at a discounted rate.
– DPML Sync, DPMLs expiring outside of 2024 may be eligible for the GlobalBlock DPML Sync product, providing bridging protection for the existing DPML and new GlobalBlock services, without duplicating fees.