Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What Top-Level Domains (TLDs) does the AdultBlock service cover?
The service covers all ICM Registry TLDs: .xxx, .sex, .porn and .adult.
Will more TLDs be included in the service?
No, AdultBlock has been designed to block registrations across the ICM Registry adult top-level domains. If you require even broader protection, check out GlobalBlock; this service includes all ICM TLDs.
Who is eligible to purchase AdultBlock?
Rights holders with demonstratable rights who meet the Eligibility Criteria and trademark holders with a valid Signed Mark Data (SMD) file issued by the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH).
What is the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH)?
It’s a database of validated and registered trademarks established by ICANN to prevent infringing behavior in the domain name system.
How can I see what SMD files I have?
Contact your TMCH agent to obtain a list of your trademarks registered in the TMCH database.
Does the service include premium domains?
Yes, AdultBlock will block all corresponding available domains irrespective of the price point and automatically block any additional dropped names while the block service is in place.
Will currently registered domains be blocked?
No, domains that are currently registered cannot be blocked until the name is deleted or expires.
What happens when a domain becomes available?
Once the redemption period has ended and the domain name becomes available, it will be added to the block for the remainder of the block registration service period.
How do I block a registered domain name that I own?
Once you purchase AdultBlock service, any domain currently registered will remain active until you either delete it or decide not to renew. Once the domain is deleted, it will automatically be included in your AdultBlock service.
Can someone else block my trademark or rights?
Only holders of a matching trademark with a valid SMD file issued by the TMCH, or a trademark that matches the new eligibility criteria, can apply for the AdultBlock service.
Can I unblock a domain for use?
No, the AdultBlock service does not allow a domain name to be unblocked.
What IDN characters are part of the AdultBlock+ service?
The variant generation software is based on Unicode Consortium standards. This means the service blocks characters available today, along with any future language character sets that become available in the ICM Registry TLDs.
Does the service block any other confusingly similar characters?
Yes, the service will block other confusingly similar characters, like replacing an ‘L’ with a ‘1’ and an ‘E’ with a ‘3’.
Where can I get a complete list of variants generated by a trademark?
The number of variants can sometimes run into the thousands. For this reason, ICM Registry only provides a sample of the variants for reference. For a complete list, contact your AdultBlock registrar and request a Domain Vulnerability report.
How long are the registration periods for AdultBlock?
The product is available in up to 10-year registration periods.
How long can I renew my AdultBlock service?
AdultBlock renewals mirror registration periods with a maximum of 10 years allowed.
Can I transfer my AdultBlock service to a different registrar?
Yes, registrants may transfer the AdultBlock service between registrars. The transfer request will add one additional year to the life of the service.
Do I need to renew my TMCH SMD file?
ICM Registry will check the validity of the SMD file from time to time during the AdultBlock service. Registrants are responsible for ensuring the SMD file remains valid.
Is there a limit on the protection of variants in the SMD file?
No, the AdultBlock+ product will block all variants in the SMD file.
What information will I see in the WHOIS for blocked domains?
All blocked domains will include the following message in the WHOIS database: This name subscribes to the AdultBlock+ product; therefore, this name is not available for registration.
Eligibility Criteria
Where can I purchase AdultBlock?
The AdultBlock service is available through any of our accredited partners. View a list of partners here.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Interested parties may now use a Registered Trademark, Unregistered Trademark, Company Name or Celebrity Name to purchase an AdultBlock product.
What type of Registered Trademark can I use?
A nationally or regionally registered trademark in force on the date the application is submitted.
What are nationally or regionally registered trademarks?
Examples of national and regional intellectual property registration offices:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks
- UK Intellectual Property Office: https://www.gov.uk/search-for-trademark
- European Union Intellectual Property Office: https://euipo.europa.eu/eSearch/Benelux
- Office for Intellectual Property: https://www.boip.int/en
What types of evidence do I need to provide?
The applicant must be the holder of the name or an appointed representative. The following may be provided with the application:
- Certified Copy of trademark registration
- Screenshot of online record of Intellectual Property body database
- Documentary evidence confirming (e.g., certificate of authorization) that the applicant is an authorized representative of the registered owner of the trademark
Does my Registered Trademark need to be in the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH)?
Applicants do not need to have their trademark in the TMCH, but it can be. The third-party verification agent assesses the application based on the historical or expanded rules now available.
What is an Unregistered Trademark?
An unregistered trademark is a mark created by a business or individual to signify or distinguish a product or service. An unregistered trademark utilizes graphics, images, words or symbols, or a combination of such, to signify the distinctiveness or source of a product or service. In some jurisdictions/countries, unregistered trademarks are also referred to as common law trademarks and are things like business and celebrity names.
Does the service include premium domains?
Yes, AdultBlock will block all corresponding available domains irrespective of the price point and automatically block any additional dropped names while the block service is in place.
What are acceptable proofs of use for an Unregistered Trademark?
Applicants may use any of the following:
- Dated advertising and marketing materials (e.g., brochures, pamphlets, catalogues, product manuals, displays or signage, press releases, social media marketing materials etc.)
- Links to websites or screenshots from websites
- Headed and dated stationery, receipts and invoices
- Dated photographs or scans of product labels, storefronts and billboards
- Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Association
Please note: the items listed above are examples. It is in the Registry’s sole discretion whether complete and satisfactory evidence has been met.
What types of company names can I use?
Registered companies, as well as “trading as” or “doing business as” names, are eligible for the AdultBlock service.
What are acceptable proofs of use for company names?
Applicants may use any of the following:
- Invoices
- Bills
- Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Association
- Screenshots of website (URL and business name must be visible)
- Company letterhead, promotional items and invoices to and from company
- Ownership details
- Copy of registration documentation for registered companies (or a company registration number)
What is considered a “celebrity” name?
Famous persons, sports stars and personalities, political figures, actors, social media celebrities and public figures are “celebrity” names.
What is an acceptable proof of use for celebrity names?
The following may be provided:
- Links to websites, social media or screenshots from websites or social media relating to a sale or advertisement
- Registered trademark number, if one exists
- Proof of status e.g.: IMDB, poster of movie or TV show, leaflets showing the name associated with a show, team roster, advertisement with the name on it, and actor’s registration number (US and Europe)
- Political party lists
- Pamphlets
- Listing on a government page (provide link to page)
- Other forms of proof which justify application
Where can I apply for an AdultBlock using the new criteria?
Interested parties should contact their AdultBlock accredited provider. A list of accredited partners is available here: https://adultblock.adult/where-to-buy/
I want to provide proof of use that is not listed. Will my application be successful?
AdultBlock accredited providers are able to check if an application is likely to be successful based on the evidence provided. Please contact your provider for more details.
Is there a cost for verifying my application and its evidence?
There are no additional costs to the applicant when using the verification service and your AdultBlock accredited provider will work with you to ensure all the information provided is correct at the time of application. However, if your application fails, the registry reserves the right to charge you or your provider for the verification attempt charges.
How long does it take to verify my information?
Applications with complete and accurate information usually take 3-5 business days to be verified.
Where can I see the progress of my application?
AdultBlock accredited providers have access to the verification portal and will be able to advise on the current status of the application.
Will I get the same AdultBlock coverage using the new eligibility criteria?
Yes, the AdultBlock and AdultBlock+ service label variants will be generated based on the ICANN rules as they have been since the launch of the AdultBlock service.
How do I become an AdultBlock accredited provider?
Please contact us here for more information: https://adultblock.adult/contact/
Where can I submit my client’s rights for verification?
Law firms and trademark representatives should initially contact their AdultBlock accredited provider. If you are unsure of who that is, please contact us here: https://adultblock.adult/contact/