The top-level domain (TLD) “.LLP” appears to have been associated with Limited Liability Partnerships or LLPs. It would provide a distinct and easily identifiable presence for such business entities on the internet. However, it is important to mention that as per the list of Internet top-level domains maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the “.LLP” does not currently exist or recognized as a valid TLD at the time of writing.
In the hierarchical Domain Name System (DNS) of the internet, top-level domains are the highest level. Each domain name usually ends with a TLD, which can be up to 63 characters long. Some of the well-known TLDs include .com, .org and .net. As specified by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), there are currently over a thousand TLDs.
ICANN has defined multiple categories of TLDs, including generic top-level domains (gTLDs), country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs), internationalized top-level domains (IDN ccTLDs), and infrastructure top-level domain (.ARPA). The “.LLP” could potentially be classified as a gTLD, similar to “.com” (for commercial businesses), “.org” (for organizations), or “.gov” (for governmental entities). However, a proposal for a “.LLP” TLD would have to go through a rigorous application and review process before ICANN could potentially approve it. This includes a public comment period and checks against various evaluation criteria, such as the potential for confusion with existing TLDs and the operations and stability of the proposed registry.
In recent years, ICANN has expanded the repertoire of TLDs significantly, allowing businesses and organizations to apply for new gTLDs. This has led to the introduction of sector-specific TLDs, including “.law” for legal practitioners and law firms, “.edu” for educational institutions, and “.bank” for banks. Many businesses and organizations have also acquired branded TLDs, such as “.google” for Google and “.apple” for Apple.
Therefore, while a “.LLP” TLD for limited liability partnerships is not currently recognized, it could potentially be created if an interested party was to apply to ICANN and meet their criteria for new gTLDs.
Sources:
- Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db)
- Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/)
- ICANN, gTLD Application Overview (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/criteria)
- Patel, N (2017) What You Need to Know About New Top-Level Domains (https://neilpatel.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-top-level-domains-infographic/)
