Minds + Machines Introduces New gTLD Program for Brands

WASHINGTON, September 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Minds + Machines, a leading provider of consulting and registry services for new gTLDs, announced a new program for brand owners who are considering applying for a new generic top-level domain (gTLD) from ICANN.  

The announcement came at a meeting of the International Trademark Association in Washington DC, where members gathered to discuss the new gTLD program from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), due to begin on January 12, 2012.  With time running short, brand owners must soon decide whether and how to apply for a new gTLD.

Antony Van Couvering, CEO of Minds + Machines, said:  "Registry offerings today are missing major elements that are important to brands. There are a lot of innovative ways for brands to use new gTLDs, but most brands want to first secure their gTLD for a reasonable price, and maybe use it internally, before deciding on the next step. Our program provides a trusted partner, complete choice of use, great workflow options, and low pricing."

The program's highlights include:

• Ability to acquire a gTLD now, then use it as needed, when needed
• Flexible and innovative pricing commensurate with use - as low as $25,000 per year, up to a maximum of $100,000 per year.
• Full consulting and technical services covering the entire gamut of application, evaluation, launch and technical back-end operations.
• Includes a private ICANN-accredited registrar (if desired)
• Company-friendly workflow allowing for multi-step domain name approvals
• Easy cost control and inter-departmental accounting
• A trusted partner for every aspect of acquiring and using a branded gTLD

Peter Dengate Thrush, Chairman of Minds + Machines and former Chair of ICANN's Board of Directors, said:  "The flexibility of Espresso, our technical platform, lets us bring some real choice to brands. Espresso lets us offer companies a cost-effective, all-in-one solution that perfectly complements our expertise on ICANN policy and processes."

About Top Level Domain Holdings Limited

Top Level Domain Holding is a publicly traded holding company listed on the London AIM market. The company is focused on the new top-level domain space. Top-level domains, such as .com, run by VeriSign (NASDAQ: VRSN), and .biz, run by NeuStar (NYSE: NSR), are regulated by ICANN. ICANN has announced plans to expand the number of top-level domains. TLDH intends to make targeted investments in this space, focusing on both infrastructure technologies and specific top-level domains.

About Minds + Machines, http://mindsandmachines.com

Minds + Machines is a registry services provider that works internationally with commercial organisations, cities, not-for-profits and entrepreneurs to secure and operate new web domains, known as top-level domains (TLDs). Minds + Machines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Top Level Domains Holdings, Ltd.

Further Information:
 
Top Level Domain Holdings Limited        

North America
Antony Van Couvering                
Tel: +1 917 406 7126

Europe
David Weill
Tel: +44(0) 20 7881 0180

gth media relations
Toby Hall /Christian Pickel                
Tel: +44(0) 20 3103 3902/3

Or visit the group's website at http://www.tldh.org

SOURCE Minds + Machines