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What is a multilingual domain name?

A multilingual domain name is a domain name which uses non-English characters such as Chinese, Japanese or Korean. A multilingual domain name is followed by .com, .net or .org (for example: .com).

When can I register a multilingual domain name?

Registration for multilingual domain names is available now.

What is the multilingual domain name testbed?

The multilingual domain name testbed began on November 10, 2000 when it became possible to register multilingual domain names. During the testbed period, you can register a multilingual domain name but can not use it. Your domain name will not become active until the testbed period is complete.

The testbed period will allow the various organizations which process domain name registrations to ensure that the multilingual domain name technology functions properly.

How long will the testbed last?

The testbed began on November 10, 2000, and will last until it is clear that the MultiLingual Domain Name technology is working properly. The exact length of the testbed period is unknown.

What languages are supported?

The following languages will be available:

• Chinese, Simplified - GB2312
• Chinese, Traditional - Big5
• Korean - KSC5601
• Japanese - SJIS

How does multilingual domain name registration work?

A multilingual domain name is converted to a string of ASCII letters using a technique called Row-based ASCII-Compatible Encoding (RACE) and is registered in this code.

During the testbed period, your domain name will be accessible in WHOIS only as this string of ASCII characters, not in its native language form.

Once the testbed period is over, domain name servers around the world will be able to translate these characters back into the native language, and you will be able to use your multilingual domain name on the Internet.

How can I tell if my domain name converted correctly?

You can use the Rackshare RACE Conversion Tool to see what the RACE code for your domain will look like, or to verify that your RACE-encoded name matches the native language version you had intended to register.

What is the maximum number of characters allowed for a multilingual domain name?

The RACE-encoded form of the multilingual domain name (including the 4 characters for .com, .net, or .org) can contain up to 67 characters.

Can I use a hyphen in my multilingual domain name?

Yes, hyphens are acceptable characters in multilingual domain names. However, the RACE-encoded version of the domain name may not begin or end with a hypen.

Is it necessary to register separately for a domain name in multiple languages?

Yes, it is necessary to register a domain name in each language. For example, if you wish to register a domain name in Simplified Chinese (GB2312) and in Traditional Chinese (Big5), you would need to register the domain name separately in each encoding type.

How are trademark issues handled for multilingual domain name?

Multilingual domain names, like all gTLD domain names, are registered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and rely on ICANN's Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) for dispute resolution.