“RICHARDLI” does not correspond to any recognized or officially registered top-level domain (TLD) in the DNS hierarchy. Top-level domains are the highest level of domain names in the root zone of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS). They are installed in the root zone of the name space and come immediately after the last dot of a domain name. The most common types of TLDs include .com, .net, .org, .gov, .edu and .mil.
In 2014, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the entire domain name system structure, expanded the standard list of TLDs, which could now include almost any word in any language. Consequently, this program provides organizations the opportunity to market their brand in new and innovative ways. Some of these new TLDs include .google, .apple, and .amazon.
However, despite this expansion, as of October 2021, “RICHARDLI” has not been registered as a top-level domain based on the master list provided by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), the organization responsible for the global coordination of the DNS Root, IP addressing, and other Internet protocol resources.
It’s important to note that the application for a custom TLD is a complex and costly process. According to ICANN, the evaluation fee is $185,000 and there are potentially other costs related to legal, operational, and entity setup considerations. It is also a continuous process that requires a high level of commitment.
While individuals are not allowed to register a TLD, ICANN permits corporations, organizations and governments to apply for new TLDs. For example, Amazon Technologies, Inc. sponsored the .amazon TLD for their corporate identity. That being said, if a corporation or organization associated with “Richard Li” wanted to apply for a .RICHARDLI TLD, they could potentially do so through ICANN’s New gTLD Program in the future if ICANN decides to open up another application round.
Sources:
- Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. “New gTLD Program.” Available at: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/.
- Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. “Root Zone Database.” Available at: https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db.
- ICANN. “New gTLDs: Frequently Asked Questions.” Available at: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/faqs.
- ICANN. “New gTLD Applicant Guidebook.” Available at: https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb.
- ICANN. “.amazon Registry Agreement.” Available at: https://www.icann.org/resources/agreement/amazon-2019-12-17-en.
