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'''.berlin''' is an active [[GeoTLD]] proposed in [[ICANN]]'s [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. [[DotBERLIN]] manages the TLD and is its [[Registry]]. The proposed application succeeded and was delegated to the [[Root Zone]] on 08 January, 2014.<ref name="delegation">[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings Delegated String, ICANN.org] Retrieved 09 Jan 2014</ref>

'''.berlin''' is an active [[GeoTLD]] proposed in [[ICANN]]'s [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. [[dotBERLIN]] manages the TLD and is its [[Registry]]. The proposed application succeeded and was delegated to the [[Root Zone]] on 08 January, 2014.<ref name="delegation">[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/program-status/delegated-strings Delegated String, ICANN.org] Retrieved 09 Jan 2014</ref>

==Background==

==Background==

Historically, there are two main entities that have expressed public interest in running .berlin, [[DotBERLIN]] and [[Unite Berlin]]; the former received government support and was the only applicant.<ref>[http://dotberlin.de/ DotBERLIN.de]</ref><ref>[http://www.uniteberlin.de/ UniteBerlin.de]</ref> Its application is a [[Community TLD|Community Priority Application]].

Historically, there are two main entities that have expressed public interest in running .berlin, [[DotBERLIN]] and [[Unite Berlin]]; the former received government support and was the only applicant.<ref>[http://dotberlin.de/ DotBERLIN.de]</ref><ref>[http://www.uniteberlin.de/ UniteBerlin.de]</ref> Its application is a [[Community TLD|Community Priority Application]].

===DotBERLIN===

===dotBERLIN===

With new gTLD discussion happening in ICANN, [[Dirk Krischenowski]] and [[Alexander Schubert]] founded [[DotBERLIN]] GmbH & Co. KG in 2005; at that time [[ICANN]]'s new [[gTLD]] application process was expected to begin in 2009.<ref>[http://dotberlin.com/ dotberlin.com]</ref> This process took longer to develop and was finally approved in June, 2011. Because of this delay, and the fact that dotBERLIN was prepared for a 2009 launch, they have asked for special consideration from [[ICANN]] in the delegation process. Specifically, DotBERLIN has asked that "One extra point in the [[Community Priority Evaluation]] should be given if the organization behind an applicantion was already established before the approval of the new gTLDs program by the ICANN Board on 26 June, 2008, or before the first communicated application window in March, 2009."<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2010/07/15/dotberlin-wants-special-status-with-new-gtlds-because-of-its-early-involvement/ DomainNameWire]</ref> That concession was not made by ICANN.

With new gTLD discussion happening in ICANN, [[Dirk Krischenowski]] and [[Alexander Schubert]] founded [[DotBERLIN]] GmbH & Co. KG in 2005; at that time [[ICANN]]'s new [[gTLD]] application process was expected to begin in 2009.<ref>[http://dotberlin.com/ dotberlin.com]</ref> This process took longer to develop and was finally approved in June, 2011. Because of this delay, and the fact that dotBERLIN was prepared for a 2009 launch, they have asked for special consideration from [[ICANN]] in the delegation process. Specifically, DotBERLIN has asked that "One extra point in the [[Community Priority Evaluation]] should be given if the organization behind an applicantion was already established before the approval of the new gTLDs program by the ICANN Board on 26 June, 2008, or before the first communicated application window in March, 2009."<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2010/07/15/dotberlin-wants-special-status-with-new-gtlds-because-of-its-early-involvement/ DomainNameWire]</ref> That concession was not made by ICANN.

The community has been defined in conjunction with the city to include only those individuals and entities that have a verifiable presence or connection to the city of Berlin. Registration will require verification of one of the following: "their residence or second home, office or place of business, a branch or permanent establishment in the City of BERLIN, or; a contact listed in the Whois database with a domicile in the City of BERLIN, or; other appropriate proof e.g. the certification by an employer to enroll at a school or college, or birth certificate."

The community has been defined in conjunction with the city to include only those individuals and entities that have a verifiable presence or connection to the city of Berlin. Registration will require verification of one of the following: "their residence or second home, office or place of business, a branch or permanent establishment in the City of BERLIN, or; a contact listed in the Whois database with a domicile in the City of BERLIN, or; other appropriate proof e.g. the certification by an employer to enroll at a school or college, or birth certificate."

The City of Berlin has issues a Letter of Support for [[DotBERLIN]].<ref>Application 1-902-9993. Retrieved 23 November 2012</ref>

The City of Berlin has issues a Letter of Support for [[dotBERLIN]].<ref>Application 1-902-9993. Retrieved 23 November 2012</ref>

==Contract Signed==

==Contract Signed==

On 31 October 2013, [[DotBERLIN]] received a [[Registry Agreement]] signed by [[ICANN]] for .berlin after passing the [[Initial Evaluation]].<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/registries Registry Agreements, ICANN.org] Retrieved 04 Nov 2013</ref>

On 31 October 2013, [[dotBERLIN]] received a [[Registry Agreement]] signed by [[ICANN]] for .berlin after passing the [[Initial Evaluation]].<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/about/agreements/registries Registry Agreements, ICANN.org] Retrieved 04 Nov 2013</ref>

==Delegation and Availability==

==Delegation and Availability==