The Replacement Period is the timeframe in which applicants are allowed to switch their original applied-for string to the replacement string they previously identified, if eligible. This step gives applicants an opportunity to avoid contention or address potential concerns revealed on Reveal Day.
To replace the original applied-for string, applicants must notify ICANN through the TLD Application Management System (TAMS) regarding the switch. Only the replacement strings already identified in the submitted application may be used. After the switch, the replacement string will permanently and irreversibly replace the original applied-for string. Under no circumstances can applicants make changes to the replacement string, or switch back to the originally applied-for string, after the Replacement Period ends. Nevertheless, .Brand TLD applicants have an additional opportunity to change their applied-for strings in order to resolve contention via the .Brand String Change Request, which would occur after String Confirmation Day.
The Replacement Period has a total duration of 14 days. The exact start date of the Replacement Period will be determined by ICANN, subject to application volume received.