ICANN recently announced the relaxation of its rules governing thelaunch of new TLDs. It has been dubbed "the biggest event to hitthe Internet since .com". Is it really?

What we understand from the announcement is that it would be easierto launch a new TLD provided certain criteria are met. So if anapplicant has the technical infrastructure and financial resourcesit will be good to go.

So we might see extensions like .google, .xxx and .sex. Obviouslycertain restrictions will be in place to guard against use ofoffensive words or trade marked terms.

On the face of it, it seems ground breaking but in reality it maycreate confusion on the web, discouraging domain name use anddriving people to search engines.

But what if a trade mark is approved as a TLD e.g .delta? Willthere be a Dispute Resolution to cover this? If so, will it notcreate another form of infringement for cybesquatters with lots ofmoney? It is well-known that some registrars are behind domain nametasting, this may be another avenue for the same conduct.

What will happen to country code TLDs? We have read reports about.eng for England. What will become of .uk?

It is widely reported that the cost for applying for a TLD will bein the vicinity of $500,000. This is pocket change for the largedomain name registrars, which could result in a monopoly over themore marketable TLDs.

We will apply for .SOS.