Application Details

Last published on: 7 October 2026 at 15:34 UTC

Application Type: New gTLD

Primary String: ulm

TLD Types: Geo (Self-Designated)

Application ID: STG2615T-T27984

Application Priority Number: --

Application Status: Active

Processing Stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing

Comment Period: --

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Summary Responses Clarifying Questions Change Requests Documents Objections

Application Responses

Section: Applying Entity Information

This question set collects information regarding the legal entity that would enter into a Registry Agreement with ICANN upon successful completion of all relevant application processes. The information collected is intended to be used for background screening.

AGB Q1. Full Legal Name

Provide the full legal name of the applying entity as it appears on the official registration documents. Do not use abbreviations.

SWU TeleNet GmbH

AGB Q3. Legal Entity Form/Business Structure

Provide the long form (no acronyms) of the legal entity form/business structure of the applying entity as it appears on the official registration documents. If the original script of the legal entity form/business structure is not English, ONLY provide its official English translation. No additional information should be provided as this will be used for the automatic population of the Registry Agreement.

limited liability company

AGB Q4. Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction indicates the location in which the business of the applying entity is registered for legal and financial purposes. This is either 1) a country name, or a 2) state/territory name, depending on where the applying entity is registered. No additional information should be provided as this will be used for the automatic population of the Base Registry Agreement. Examples include "Delaware", "Germany", etc.

Germany

AGB Q10. Website URL

Provide the website URL of the applying entity, if available.

https://www.swu.de

AGB Q11. Is the applying entity an existing registry operator, ICANN accredited registrar, or an Affiliate of either?

1. Choose Yes or No. 2. Use the definition of Affiliate from the Base Registry Agreement (see https://www.icann.org/en/registry-agreements/base-agreement).

false

AGB Q13. Is the applying entity a back-end registry service provider (RSP), an ICANN-approved data escrow agent, an emergency back-end registry operator, a Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) service provider, an ICANN dispute resolution service provider, a Privacy or Proxy Service Provider, or a Reseller?

Choose Yes or No.

false

AGB Q17. Phone Country Code

AGB Q18. Primary Business Phone

Provide the primary business phone number without including the country code.

731 166 3167

AGB Q19. Primary Business Email Address

Provide the primary business email address of the applying entity.

tld.ulm@swu.de

AGB Q20. Address Line 1

Enter the street address (no PO Box).

Karlstraße 1-3

AGB Q22. Locality

Enter the city, village, municipality, etc.

Ulm

AGB Q23. State/Province/Region

Enter the state, province, department, territory, prefecture, oblast, etc., if applicable.

Baden-Wuerttemberg

AGB Q24. Postal Code

1. Enter the postal code, if applicable. 2. If a postal code does not exist, type “Not Applicable”.

89073

AGB Q25. Country Code of Location

AGB Q26. Full Legal Name

If applicable, provide the full legal name as it appears on the official registration documents of the Direct Parent Company of the applying entity. Do not use abbreviations.

SWU Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm GmbH

AGB Q28. Legal Entity Form/Business Structure

Provide the long form (no acronyms) of the legal entity form/business structure of the Direct Parent Company as it appears on the official registration documents. If the original script of the legal entity form/business structure is not English, ONLY provide its official English translation.

limited liability company

AGB Q29. Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction indicates the location in which the business of the Direct Parent Company is registered for legal and financial purposes. This is either 1) a country name, or a 2) state/territory name, depending on where the Direct Parent Company is registered. Examples include "Delaware", "Germany", etc.

Germany

AGB Q36. Full Legal Name

If applicable, provide the full legal name as it appears on the official registration documents of the Ultimate Parent Company of the applying entity. Do not use abbreviations. "Ultimate Parent Company" means, with respect to an Applicant (and, if applicable, a Direct Parent Company), the top-level entity that directly or indirectly possesses the power to direct the management and policies of such Applicant (and, if applicable, a Direct Parent Company) through the ownership of voting securities, as a general partner, as a managing member, by contract, or otherwise. An Ultimate Parent Company is not controlled by any other entity. If there are no intermediary entities between the Applicant and the Ultimate Parent Company, the Ultimate Parent Company would be the same entity as the Direct Parent Company.

Stadt Ulm

AGB Q38. Legal Entity Form/Business Structure

Provide the long form (no acronyms) of the legal entity form/business structure of the Ultimate Parent Company as it appears on the official registration documents. If the original script of the legal entity form/business structure is not English, ONLY provide its official English translation.

Regional public authority

AGB Q39. Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction indicates the location in which the business of the Ultimate Parent Company is registered for legal and financial purposes. This is either 1) a country name, or a 2) state/territory name, depending on where the Direct Parent Company is registered. Examples include "Delaware", "Germany", etc.

Germany

Section: Applying Entity Background and Organization

Section: Self-Certification

Section: Security Policy and Planning

Section: DNS Abuse

Provide a single document for Self-Certification question AGB Q221, Q5.2-1. The document must include only the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements. Do not modify any of the Self-Certification statements. If the applicant cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements, provide a document that explains why the applying entity cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements.

AGB Q221. Q5.2-1 - Provide the applying entity’s self-certification document, signed by the CEO, President, CFO and/or equivalent officer of the applying entity. The self-certification document must represent and warrant: SC5.2-1.1 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the Top Level Domain (TLD), establish a dedicated abuse point of contact responsible for addressing matters requiring expedited attention and providing a timely response to abuse complaints concerning any name registered in the TLD. SC5.2-1.2 - The applying entity will, no later than delegation of the TLD, establish, publish, and provide to ICANN the location of a mechanism for members of the public to submit reports of abuse in accordance with the current obligations of the Base RA and any Consensus Policies. SC5.2-1.3 - The applying entity has developed proposed measures for removal of orphan glue records for names removed from the zone when provided with evidence in written form that the glue is present in connection with malicious conduct (see Specification 6). SC5.2-1.4 - The applying entity has or will have at time of delegation, established policies for handling complaints regarding abuse. Such policies are to be maintained and posted publicly so that anyone can review the policies via the Internet and any other means deemed appropriate by the applying entity. The applying entity’s policies at a minimum should contain appropriate confirmation of the receipt of the abuse report, the process of review of the report, and actions that will be taken if the applying entity confirms the report is legitimate. SC5.2-1.5 - The applying entity understands that DNS Abuse is Phishing, Malware, Botnets, Pharming and Spam (when used to deliver other forms of DNS Abuse). The applying entity understands and is prepared to contribute to the mitigation or disruption of DNS Abuse in domains in the TLD zone. SC5.2-1.6 - The applying entity’s abuse response capabilities are resourced appropriately to ensure a timely and adequate investigation and response to reports of DNS Abuse. This includes capabilities to receive and evaluate evidence of DNS Abuse in reports, and to take action to stop or disrupt the DNS Abuse. SC5.2-1.7 - The applying entity is prepared to conduct periodic scans of its zone to identify if domains are being used to perpetrate DNS Abuse, and to maintain statistical reports of the scans, the findings, and actions taken.

1. Provide a single document for Self-Certification question Q5.2-1. 2. The document must include only the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements. 3. Do not modify any of the Self-Certification statements. 4. If the applying entity cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements, provide a document that explains why the applying entity cannot Self-Certify the SC5.2-1.1 through SC5.2-1.7 statements.

Has Documents

Section: Primary String

This question set collects basic information regarding the string that is being applied for (for example, a-label, meaning, script). If the applying entity opts to designate a replacement string, it must answer the same set of questions for the replacement string from the AGB Question Set 5 on.

AGB Q116. Applied-for Primary String (ASCII Label)

ulm

AGB Q118. What is the meaning/definition of the applied-for gTLD string?

Provide the meaning, or restatement of the string in English, that is, a description of the literal meaning of the string in the opinion of the applying entity. If there is no literal meaning in English (for example, a brand name or a proper noun without a translation) simply state "No English Translation"

No English Translation

AGB Q120. Phonetic Representation

Provide a representation of the string according to the International Phonetic Alphabet.

/ˈʊlm/

AGB Q121. As per Section 3(d) of Specification 11 of the Base Registry Agreement, a registry operator of a “generic string” may not impose eligibility criteria for registering names in the TLD that limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity and/or that person’s or entity’s “Affiliates” (as defined in Section 2.9(c) of the Registry Agreement). “Generic String” means a string consisting of a word or term that denominates or describes a general class of goods, services, groups, organizations or things, as opposed to distinguishing a specific brand of goods, services, groups, organizations or things from those of others. Confirm that the applied-for string is not a “generic string” in which the applying entity intends to limit registrations exclusively to a single person or entity.

Confirm the statement using a checkbox.

true

AGB Q133. What is the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD?

1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD, including the intended registrants and users, and the related activities that have been or will be carried out to achieve this purpose. 1a. If applying for a variant of an existing gTLD, please also describe the mission and purpose of the existing gTLD, including the intended registrants and users, and the related activities that have been or will be carried out to achieve this purpose. 2. Explain how this purpose is sustainable over time.

Mission & Purpose The string "ulm" identifies one of Germany's historically significant cities, internationally recognized as the birthplace of Albert Einstein, former home to the tallest church steeple in the world, and a leading center of innovation, science, and technology in Baden-Württemberg. The mission of the .ulm gTLD is to establish a dedicated, trusted, and geographically meaningful digital namespace for the city of Ulm, its metropolitan area (“Innovationsregion Ulm”) and its community. The TLD will provide an inclusive namespace encompassing its residents, businesses, cultural institutions, public authorities, and civic organizations. The .ulm TLD is designed to serve as the authoritative digital home for everything and everyone genuinely connected to Ulm. The TLD provides a namespace that is immediately recognizable, locally anchored, and clearly distinct from generic alternatives such as .com, .de, or .org, none of which can convey the same geographic identity and community belonging that .ulm offers. Intended Registrants & Users The registrants will be mainly entities and individuals with a connection to the city of Ulm or the Ulm metropolitan region. This includes the City of Ulm, administrative bodies, local businesses, cultural and educational institutions such as Ulm University and Technische Hochschule Ulm, healthcare providers incl. Universitätsklinikum Ulm, civic associations, community groups, and individual residents wishing to express their local identity online. In addition, platforms and service providers supporting the Ulm community, such as regional event portals, and local media outlets are potential registrants, provided their registrations are consistent with the location-oriented character of .ulm. Related Activities To realize this mission, the registry will implement registration policies that preserve a strong connection to the Ulm region while remaining open to registrants. A Sunrise Period will protect existing trademark holders, followed by a phased General Availability launch. An Early Access Phase might be introduced to provide a privileged registration phase. Active outreach will be conducted in partnership with the City of Ulm, and local organizations. Early adoption by the city government itself will serve as a powerful anchor for public trust and awareness, like rathaus.ulm and buergerservice.ulm. Cultural flagships such as the Ulmer Münster and major events like Schwörmontag civic tradition are natural candidates for high-profile .ulm registrations that reinforce the TLD's local identity in the public consciousness. Sustainability Over Time The long-term sustainability of .ulm rests on structural foundations that are both geographic and civic in nature. Ulm is a constitutionally established German municipality (first mentioned in year 854) whose identity, governance, and community life are permanent. Ulm's status as a nationally recognized innovation hub, anchored by its university, the Science City Ulm initiative, and a strong cluster of technology and life sciences companies, ensures a growing and digitally active registrant base well into the future. Financially, the registry will operate on a stable registration and renewal fee model, as successfully demonstrated by comparable city TLDs such as .berlin, .hamburg, and .koeln. A well-governed, clearly scoped namespace with a loyal and locally invested registrant community is structurally positioned for consistent renewal rates and low registrant churn. The TLD .ulm will benefit from the accelerating digitization of local government, business, and civil society. As public services move online and civic identity increasingly manifests in digital spaces, the demand for a domain that instantly communicates "this is Ulm" will grow rather than diminish. The TLD's value to registrants increases as adoption deepens and create a self-reinforcing dynamic that sustains the namespace commercially and culturally well into the future.

Section: Geographic Determination

This question set collects information specific to Geographic Name applications.

AGB Q158. Is the applied-for string a geographic name as defined by it being any one of the following: a) the capital city name of a country or territory listed in the ISO 3166-1 standard; b) a city name, where it is clear from statements in the application that the applying entity intends to use the gTLD for purposes associated with the city name; c) a sub-national place name listed in the ISO 3166-2 standard; or d) Strings listed as UNESCO regions or appearing on the Geographic Regions section of the “Standard country or area codes for statistical use (M49)”

Select Yes or No.

Yes

AGB Q159. Is the applied-for string the name of a city and, if so, is the intention to use the TLD primarily for purposes associated with the city name?

Select Yes or No

Yes

AGB Q160. If answered yes to previous question, how will the applying entity market and/or use the TLD primarily for purposes associated with the city name?

Provide a description and examples of how the TLD will be used in relationship to the city name.

Framework for German geoTLDs Under the German Telecommunications Act (TKG), the administration of TLDs does not fall within the remit of the public Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). The allocation and management of TLDs such as .de and .berlin are carried out independently and by private registry operators in Germany. For more than 30 years, registrants and Internet users have been accustomed to this model and would not assume that the registry operator is a public body. Marketing and Use of .ulm The .ulm TLD is designed to be the natural digital home for the city of Ulm, its metropolitan area and beyond. It’ is a clearly recognizable, geographically anchored namespace that gives businesses, institutions, residents, and civic organizations a way to signal their local roots instantly and authentically. Unlike generic alternatives such as .com or .de, a .ulm domain communicates not just what registrants do, but where they belong. The registry will anchor this promise in its generally open registration policies for registrants that are conneced to Ulm and its metropolitan region. Marketing will pursue two complementary tracks. On the institutional side, the registry will work closely with the City of Ulm, the IHK Ulm, local media, and anchor institutions to seed the namespace early with high-visibility, high-credibility domains — so that from day one, .ulm is associated with recognized names that residents and visitors already trust. On the public-facing side, targeted campaigns will reach local businesses, associations, and residents directly, making the case that a .ulm domain is more than a web address: it is a statement of local identity, accountability, and community commitment. Marketing channels might include but are not limited to digital advertising, social media, local print media, outdoor campaigns, and presence at regional trade fairs and business events. Crucially, the visual and narrative identity of Ulm — the silhouette of the Münster, the Einstein heritage, the Donau (Danube), the Schwörmontag tradition — will be woven into all campaign materials, creating an unmistakable link between the TLD and the city & region it represents. Government and Public Administration rathaus.ulm — the City of Ulm's central digital gateway for citizens buergerservice.ulm — online access to municipal services and administrative processes polizei.ulm — local police presence and public safety information Tourism and City Promotion visit.ulm — the city's official tourism and visitor information portal einstein.ulm — celebrating the life and legacy of Ulm's most famous son schwoermontag.ulm — Ulm's centuries-old civic oath ceremony and popular summer festival Business and Commerce handwerk.ulm — connecting local craftspeople with customers in the region invest.ulm — a portal for companies considering locating or expanding in the Ulm area ihk.ulm — the Chamber of Commerce Education and Research uni.ulm — the University of Ulm sciencecity.ulm — the joint innovation campus bringing together university, research, and industry studieren.ulm — a guide to studying and student life in Ulm Culture, Sport, and Community muenster.ulm — home of the world's tallest church steeple and its history theater.ulm — Theater Ulm, the city's main stage for drama, opera, and dance ssv.ulm — SSV Ulm 1846, the city's storied multi-sport club and football team Personal Identity and Portfolios bildwerk89.ulm — a local photographer presenting their portfolio to regional clients sio-architekten.ulm — an architect rooted in the Ulm building tradition physioplus.ulm — a physio office signalling local presence and trust Community Groups, Clubs, and Associations nachbarschaftshilfe-boefingen.ulm — a mutual aid network in the Böfingen neighbourhood freie-kinder.ulm — a parent-led childcare group reparaturcafe.ulm — a community space for repairing everyday items and reducing waste

Section: Safeguard Identification

This question set collects information related to determining whether certain Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (Safeguard PICs) are required for the applied-for gTLD string. See Section 7.8.2.3 Safeguard PICs. Answers to these questions will inform assessment by ICANN on whether and which Safeguard PICs must be incorporated in the applicable Registry Agreement (RA) if the string proceeds to delegation. The answers themselves will not automatically make such a determination.

AGB Q164. Will people see a domain name as more trustworthy because it is registered in your TLD? Think about how people around the world will understand the TLD string(s) in the application, including literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

1. When answering the questions, apply criteria by considering the meaning of the requested TLD string in the following contexts: a. Literally as described in the application b. Literally in any other language in which the string is a recognized word or phrase. c. Informally in any language or regional variant, where alternative meanings exist. 2. If the proverbial “reasonable person” who understands the relevant context believes that the question should be answered ‘yes’, then the answer is yes.

AGB Q165. Is it likely that consumers will face significant risks if domain names in the TLD(s) in the application are abused? Think about how people around the world will understand the TLD string(s) in the application, including literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

AGB Q166. Would people generally think that this TLD will be used by entities that require strict licensing or accreditation to do business? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood around the world, including both literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

AGB Q167. Would most people think that (domains in) the TLD(s) in the application are used for activities that require regular government reporting, inspections, and oversight in various countries? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood around the world, including both literal and informal meanings in different languages and regions.

AGB Q168. Could people reasonably believe that (domains in) your TLD will cause or lead to harassment, harm, aggression, complaints, criticism, distress, or embarrassment? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood globally, including different languages and cultures.

1. When answering the questions, apply criteria by considering the meaning of the requested TLD string in the following contexts: a. Literally as described in the application b. Literally in any other language in which the string is a recognized word or phrase. c. Informally in any language or regional variant, where alternative meanings exist. I-2. If the proverbial “reasonable person” who understands the relevant context believes that the question should be answered ‘yes’, then the answer is yes.

AGB Q169. Would most people think that the TLD is used for something usually done by governments? Think about how the TLD string(s) in the application will be understood globally, including different languages and cultures.

1. When answering the questions, apply criteria by considering the meaning of the requested TLD string in the following contexts: a. Literally as described in the application b. Literally in any other language in which the string is a recognized word or phrase. c. Informally in any language or regional variant, where alternative meanings exist. I-2. If the proverbial “reasonable person” who understands the relevant context believes that the question should be answered ‘yes’, then the answer is yes.

AGB Q170. Are you proposing to include one or more of the Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (Safeguard PICs) in the Registry Agreement (RA) voluntarily regardless of ICANN’s Safeguard Assessment outcomes?

Select Yes or No. Notes: 1. ICANN will evaluate whether an applied-for gTLD string requires one or more Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (Safeguard PICs) to be included in the Base RA). 2. In addition to the Mandatory Public Interest Commitments (PICs) that must be included in each Base RA, a subset of Base RAs must include Safeguard PICs based on ICANN’s Safeguard Assessment. See Section 7.8.2.3 Safeguard PICs. 3. Applying entities for TLDs that are not found to require Safeguard PICs can elect to add them to the applicable Base RAs voluntarily to, for example, further their business objectives, help address issues or concerns that are raised or could be raised with respect to their applications, or avoid the need for the evaluation and implementation of customized Registry Voluntary Commitment (RVC). See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs).

Section: Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs)

This question set collects information related to any Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) that the applying entity is submitting. The decision to submit an RVC is typically voluntary, except for those recognized by ICANN to resolve an objection or to address GAC Consensus Advice. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments for more information.

AGB Q172. Are you proposing to include one or more Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) in the Registry Agreement (RA) that are unique to your applied-for string?

1. Select Yes or No. 2. In addition to Safeguard Public Interest Commitments (PICs), an applying entity will be permitted to propose one or more Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) to provide additional safeguards with regard to the registry operator’s operation of an applied-for gTLD string. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs). 3. RVCs are separate from Community Registration Policies. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs) and Section 7.8.4 Community Registration Policies for more information. If you are applying for a Community gTLD, please submit the Community Registration Policies by answering Questions 150-155. However, if you propose to include additional Registry Voluntary Commitments in the RA beyond the Community Registration Policies, you may answer "yes" and proceed to answer the following questions. 4. You are encouraged to consider whether there are other means, separate from including commitment(s) in the Base RA, that could be used to further your business objectives or help resolve any anticipated or actual issue(s) raised regarding the applied-for gTLD string or application. See Section 7.8.3 Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs). Notes: If you select “yes” to this question, you are required to pay the conditional Registry Commitments Evaluation fee, and commitments that are approved by ICANN will be included in Specification 11 of the applicable Base RA as specific voluntary public interest commitments as contractual obligations.

Application Details

Application Responses

Section: Applying Entity Information

Section: Applying Entity Background and Organization

Section: Self-Certification

Section: Security Policy and Planning

Section: DNS Abuse

Section: Primary String

Section: Geographic Determination

Section: Safeguard Identification

Section: Registry Voluntary Commitments (RVCs)

Section: Brand & Code of Conduct Exemptions

Section: Additional Information and Supporting Materials

Section: Bona Fide Intent and Prohibited Communications