AnyName Licensing:
Fair Access; Under Strict Policy Control to Preserve a Safe, Predictable Internet

Context
In 2003, an attempt to monetize non-existent .com and .net domains (known as “SiteFinder”) caused major disruption across the Internet.
After 2003, registry-level wildcarding in gTLDs was prohibited by ICANN policy and technical standards.

The later introduction of mandatory HTTPS and TLS/SSL certificate validation added an additional technical barrier, effectively making wildcarding impossible within modern secure web protocols.

AnyName resolves both challenges: it prevents misuse through strict policy control & technical safeguards, and overcomes the TLS limitation through cutting-edge certificate solutions.
For eligible gTLDs operating under clearly defined policy oversight, this combination allows a safe way to deploy wildcarding within the DNS.

→ See Eligibility & Policy for background and references.

License Framework
The license exists to protect safety and fairness. It ensures only eligible gTLDs may deploy AnyName, and that the introduction of second-level wildcarding will not create technical disturbance or be used for monetization.
The model lets ICANN, the CA/B Forum, and the IETF keep clear policy control while enabling eligible operators to bring innovation and improved utility into the DNS.

AnyName is protected by active intellectual-property filings. To support safe and responsible use, we apply a non-assertion approach: compliant operators may deploy AnyName without interference, provided they follow the rules. Operators that misuse the system for monetization or disturbance will lose that protection and may face enforcement.

Institutional and non-commercial operators that act responsibly do not pay license fees. Only the largest commercial operators contribute a symbolic amount to help maintain independent oversight and accountability.
At our discretion, major early partners such as Google, YouTube, or Amazon may receive free pilot licenses to accelerate deployment.

Annual license (per gTLD)
Fortune 100 – USD 25 000
Fortune 500 – USD 15 000
Companies > USD 500 million revenue – USD 7 500

Early-adopter offer
Available for up to ten ambassador gTLDs.
Purchase three years up front to receive a lifetime license.
Early adopters serve as ambassadors, helping demonstrate responsible and useful implementation.

Example
Google would need authorization for .google and .youtube – not for Chrome, its CA, or infrastructure.

For more information please send an email to alexander.schubert@anyname.technology or call +1(202)888-2029