What Is TMCH (Trademark Clearinghouse)?
The TMCH (Trademark Clearinghouse) is a global repository of verified trademarks established as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. It serves two primary functions: enabling trademark holders to register domains during sunrise periods on new TLDs, and triggering notifications when someone registers a domain matching a recorded trademark.
Recording a trademark in the TMCH costs approximately $150–$750 per year depending on the service provider and duration. Once recorded, the trademark holder receives priority access during sunrise periods for all new TLD launches and receives alerts when matching domains are registered.
The TMCH is specifically designed for new gTLDs — it doesn't cover legacy TLDs like .com, .net, or .org, nor most ccTLDs.
Why This Matters for Startups
Once you have a registered trademark, consider recording it in the TMCH if new TLD launches are relevant to your industry. The annual fee is modest compared to the cost of losing your brand name on a new extension. The notification service is particularly valuable — you'll know immediately if someone registers your brand on any new TLD, giving you time to respond before they build a confusing presence.
Ready to Find Your Startup's Domain?
Browse our curated collection of premium domains or get a free appraisal on any name.
Browse Premium Domains