As of the current research complied, there is no top-level domain (TLD) named ‘.SCHMIDT.’ Top-Level Domains are the identifiers at the end of a URL. They are managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a department of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) (ICANN, 2012).
Common examples of TLDs include .com, .net, .org, .edu, among others. The list of valid TLDs is published and regularly updated by IANA on its official website (IANA, 2021).
While it’s theoretically possible for ‘.SCHMIDT’ to become a TLD in the future, as of now it is not a registered TLD. This could potentially happen under the category of what’s known as a ‘brand TLD.’ Many brands have applied for and been granted TLDs featuring their brand name (e.g., .google, .bmw, etc.) following ICANN’s decision to open up TLDs to new applications in 2012 (ICANN, 2012).
The acquisition of a trademark as a TLD is part of a larger strategic process called domain name branding. Large corporations like Google and BMW, as previously mentioned, were early adopters of this practice. They use .google and .bmw respectively for their corporate websites, helping to reinforce their brands and make their URLs easier for customers to remember.
However, stretching the idea of a TLD on the last name basis like ‘.SCHMIDT’ may have multiple legal and procedural implications considering the commonality of the lastname ‘Schmidt’ worldwide.
Finally, it’s important to note that applying for a new TLD is not a simple process. There are stringent eligibility requirements and the cost is substantial. ICANN imposed an application fee of $185,000 for new gTLD applications during the previous application round which took place in 2012 (ICANN, 2012).
To this date, no entity or person named ‘Schmidt’ has applied, or been awarded, a ‘.schmidt’ TLD, at least according to officially published records from IANA and ICANN. For the most accurate and updated information, it’s always best to check the current list of TLDs on the IANA website.
In conclusion, there isn’t a recognized top-level domain ‘.SCHMIDT.’ However, considering the dynamic nature of the internet and domain names, it can always be a possibility in future.
Sources:
- ICANN (2012). New gTLD Program. https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
- IANA (2021). Root Zone Database. https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db
- ICANN (2012). New gTLD Application Fees and Financial Support Options. https://archive.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/cost-considerations-04oct09-en.pdf
- Moats, R. (2001). Understanding Top-Level Domains (TLDs). Cisco. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/security/network-security-architecture-design/13774-18.html
