New domain name extensions (gTLDs) due for August/September 2025 launch: .MED, .TALK, .YOU, .FAST

Amazon Registry is set to release another batch of new Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs), offering new opportunities - and potential risks - for brand owners.  

gTLDs are the extensions that appear at the end of web addresses (such as .com or .org). Amazon Registry’s upcoming release of the .MED, .TALK., .YOU, and .FAST extensions follow their recent April launches of .FREE, .HOT, and .SPOT, and come as part of ICANN’s ongoing ‘new gTLD’ programme which aims to expand the internet’s domain name system. 

Whilst .MED was previously available subject to restrictions and an application process, from 2 September 2025 the extension will be unrestricted with no requirement to meet medical criteria. 

Considerations for Brand Owners:

With the launch of these (and any) new gTLDs, brand owners should consider:  

1. Defensive registrations and brand protection strategies 

With more gTLDs becoming available, brand owners are at risk of third parties registering domains which include brand owners’ trade marks. They may try to “squat” on the domain and try to sell it to the brand owner at an inflated price, re-direct traffic from a brand owners’ legitimate website, or impersonate a brand. 

To mitigate against these risks, brand owners should consider: 

• • Registering additional domain names whenever new gTLDs are launched;
  • Ensuring that all relevant brand signs are registered as trade marks in appropriate jurisdictions; and 
  • Implementing domain monitoring, blocking and enforcement strategies.

2. Brand identity & practical opportunities 

It’s not all defensive. New gTLDs may also give brand owners the opportunity to enhance their online identity, distinguish from their competitors with unique domain names, expand their domain portfolios for practical purposes, and, potentially, register these resulting domains as trade marks. 

For example, brand owners might consider using the new extensions for brand identity purposes where the new gTLDs relate conceptually to their goods or services e.g. “[name].talk” for a phone company or “[name].fast” for a courier. Some brand owners will also be able to use the new gTLDs as part of their brand names – for example TalkTalk might seek to register “talk.talk”.

Timelines:

For those considering registering a domain using a new gTLD, the expected application timelines are as follows: 

.MED Domains

Until 31 August 2025 (Pre-Registration)	Interested parties can submit pre-registration requests for .MED domains.
2 September – 15 September 2025 (Exclusive Registration Period)	Pre-registrants can register .MED domains.
From 15 September (General Availability)	.MED domains become generally available.

.TALK, .YOU, and .FAST Domains

26 August 2025 – 25 September 2025 (Sunrise Period)	Trade mark owners who have already registered their trade marks with the Trademark Clearinghouse can apply for corresponding domain names with the .TALK, .YOU, and .FAST extensions.
After 25 September 2025 (Early Access Period)	There is expected to be an early access period where any applicant can register a .TALK, .YOU, or .FAST domain at an increased price.
From early October (General Availability)	TALK, .YOU and .FAST domains will be available at standard prices.