News Alert
https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2014-09-18-en
Results Available for 17 September 2014 New gTLD Program Auction
18 September 2014
On 17 September 2014, an Auction conducted by ICANN's authorized Auction service provider, Power Auctions LLC, was held to resolve string contention sets for three new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) strings; BUY, TECH, and VIP. String contention occurs when more than one applicant has applied for the same or a confusingly similar gTLD. The applicants for these strings were unable to resolve the contention sets among themselves, and thus proceeded to an auction, which is the method of last resort to resolve string contention sets as prescribed in Module 4 of the Applicant Guidebook. Subject to payment of the Winning Price and meeting all other criteria for eligibility, the winner will begin the contracting process to sign a Registry Agreement to operate the respective gTLD.
Four applicants for BUY participated in the Auction. Amazon EU S.à r.l. prevailed in the Auction with the winning price of $4,588,888.
Six applicants for TECH participated in the Auction. Dot Tech LLC prevailed in the Auction with the winning price of $6,760,000.
Five applicants for VIP participated in the Auction. Top Level Domain Holdings prevailed in the Auction with the winning price of $3,000,888.
Akram Atallah, President of ICANN's Global Domains Division noted "The proceeds from these Auctions will be separated and reserved until the Board determines a plan for the appropriate use of the funds through consultation with the community. We continue to encourage parties to reach agreements amongst themselves to resolve contention."
Additional bidding information is available in the Auction Reports which can be found on Auction Results pagewithin the New gTLD Microsite.
Subsequent auctions are scheduled [PDF, 250 KB] to occur on a monthly basis throughout 2014 and into early 2015. The auction events are intended to resolve multiple contention sets simultaneously.
For information about ICANN Auctions please see the Auctions landing page on the New gTLD Microsite.