GMO Brand Security’s Analysis and Insights Featured on INTERNET Watch Regarding the "New gTLD Program 2026"

On Friday, July 31, 2026, INTERNET Watch featured the latest trends surrounding the "New gTLD Program: 2026 Round"—the first application window in 14 years—along with market insights and analysis from GMO Brand Security.

With the August 12 application deadline fast approaching, leading Japanese organizations including TOPPAN Holdings Inc., Hakuhodo Inc., and Sompo Holdings, Inc. have announced plans to apply for their own branded Top-Level Domains (Brand TLDs). While the previous 2012 round was dominated by manufacturing conglomerates and IT giants, the 2026 round shows a distinct shift. Based on trends among clients utilizing our "GMO .YourBrand Application & Operations Support Service," three major key factors have emerged:

1. Entry of Security-Conscious Financial Institutions (Including Insurers): Growing demand to leverage Brand TLDs as a security measure to protect customers from phishing and spoofing sites while guaranteeing brand authenticity.
2. Growing Mid-Cap Companies Expanding Globally: Increased adoption as part of intellectual property strategies and establishing brand identity during global market expansion.
3. Preparedness for AI Search (AtoA): In an era where AI agents aggregate and evaluate data (Agent to Agent), the value of owning a domain that proves official information authenticity is being actively re-evaluated.

"Managing domain operations and security compliance seems daunting." "We are unsure how to align this with our IP and brand strategy." To address these corporate concerns, our team of dedicated experts provides end-to-end guidance, supporting companies from the initial application process through to ongoing management. The full list of worldwide TLD applications is expected to be published around October. We invite you to read the full article as a step toward connecting corporate trust and brand value to the future.

Article Details
Media: INTERNET Watch
Publication Date: July 31, 2026
Article Title (Japanese only): First New gTLD Applications in 14 Years: The August 12 Deadline Approaches — Why Japanese Companies Are Moving to Acquire ".YourCompany" Top-Level Domains —