The Next Internet Power Move: Companies Have Until August 2026 to Secure Their Own Domain Names

From venture-backed startups to global companies organizations are preparing for the next opportunity to secure their own brand domain

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Companies have a limited window between April and August 2026 to secure their own brand name at the top level of the internet, according to global ICANN-accredited domain registrar, Com Laude.

For the first time since 2012, organizations will have a limited window to apply for their own brand-owned internet domain, allowing companies to operate websites ending directly in their brand name — instead of relying solely on shared domains like .com, when the Internet Corporation for Assigned for Names and Numbers (ICANN), open their application window next month.

While major global companies such as Alibaba, Amazon, American Express, Apple, the BBC, Chanel, FedEx, Ferrari, Google, Gucci, Hermès, JP Morgan, KPMG, McKinsey, Microsoft, Netflix, Nike, Prudential, Shell, Sony, Toyota, UBS, Walmart, WME, and Zara have already secured their own branded internet domains, experts say the next application window could see far broader participation.

Many internet-native companies and venture-backed startups are increasingly viewing brand-owned domains as a strategic opportunity to control their digital identity from the beginning, rather than building their businesses entirely on shared internet extensions like .com.

“These domains are no longer just for the world’s biggest brands,” said Ben Crawford, CEO and Director of Com Laude. “The companies that are growing up on the internet today — particularly venture-backed and digitally native businesses — increasingly see this as a chance to own their identity online rather than relying on infrastructure they don’t control.”

The opportunity comes at a time when companies are facing increasing challenges related to online impersonation, phishing attacks, AI-generated fraud and counterfeit websites.

Brand-owned domains allow organizations to create a trusted digital environment where every web address ending in their brand name is verified and controlled by the company itself.

In the previous application round in 2012, hundreds of companies applied for their own branded domains as part of a major expansion of the internet’s addressing system.

The next application window is expected to open in April 2026 and close in mid-August, giving organizations only a few months to apply.

Once the window closes, there is no confirmed timeline for another opportunity.

“Most companies don’t realize that owning their brand at the top level of the internet is even possible,” Crawford said. “But once the window closes, companies that missed it may not get another chance for many years.”

About Com Laude

Com Laude is a global leader in corporate domain name management and dotBrand advisory services, helping companies secure and protect their digital identities online. The firm played a significant role in the 2012 expansion of brand-owned internet domains and is advising organizations preparing for the 2026 application window.