Last Updated: July 2026
Yes. Applicants (including their agents and affiliates) for strings in the same contention set are prohibited from communicating, either directly or indirectly, with other applicants in the same contention set regarding their respective applications in contention, any strategies related to the in-contention string(s), or strategies to resolve contention. Communications are prohibited during specific periods, starting from Reveal Day.
Although communications are prohibited as described above starting from Reveal Day, please note that the New gTLD Program processes leading up to and including, where applicable, an ICANN New gTLD Auction (including any CPE that may occur prior to, and which could eliminate the need for, an ICANN New gTLD Auction) provide the only permissible path to contention resolution. Any other resolution methods, such as private auctions or joint ventures, or any other arrangement designed to resolve contention privately, are strictly prohibited.
See AGB Section 5.2.3.1 for more information.