The top-level domain (TLD) “.EMERCK” does not currently exist in the domain name systems. The Domain Name System (DNS) Coalition, an organization that monitors and administers domains globally, does not have an entry for this particular TLD.
A top-level domain is the last segment of a domain name – the part that follows immediately after the “dot” symbol. TLDs are mainly classified into two categories: generic TLDs (such as .com, .net, .edu, .org) and country-specific TLDs (such as .us, .uk, .fr). Entities such as businesses and organizations can apply for a new generic TLD, but the process is extensive and can take a considerable amount of time and money. This application process is administered by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) (ICANN.org).
The title “.EMERCK” suggests that it would be a brand-specific top-level domain; however, as of now, it does not exist in the registry. The “.EMERCK” could potentially represent the Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. As of now, though, Merck Group operates under the .com TLD (merckgroup.com).
A possible reason that the Merck Group does not have its own TLD could be related to the complex process that an entity has to go through to secure a TLD. ICANN requires entities to follow extensive guidelines, pay a hefty application fee, and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. Additionally, there are ongoing costs to keep the TLD operational, including a yearly fee to ICANN (ICANN.org).
For an example of a company that does have its own TLD, we can look at Barclays, a British multinational investment bank and financial services company. They operate their official website under the .barclays TLD (home.barclays).
Sources:
1. “Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).” ICANN, www.icann.org/resources/pages/gtlds-2012-02-25-en.
2. “Home.” Merck Group, www.merckgroup.com.
3. “New gTLD Program.” ICANN, newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/application-results.
4. “Home.” Barclays, www.home.barclays.
