Last Updated: August 2026
Once a contention set is finalized, ICANN uses the following methods to resolve contention: 1) Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) for eligible community applications and 2) ICANN New gTLD Auction. The outcome of these resolution methods determines which applications may proceed to the next stage of the evaluation process.
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.