D3 partners file for .gate and .sui top-level domains

Two Web3 companies have submitted applications for new top-level domains (TLDs) in partnership with domain infrastructure provider D3. The filings mark the latest entries in ICANN’s ongoing expansion of the domain name system, with both applicants targeting TLDs tied to their existing ecosystems.

Gate, a cryptocurrency exchange with approximately 50 million users, has applied for the .gate TLD. The company, which currently operates under gate.com, plans to use the new domain to streamline user access and potentially implement wildcard redirects for mistyped subdomains. However, Gate faces competition for the .gate TLD, as Namecheap’s Starlight and Link Freedom Group have also submitted applications for the same string. D3 confirmed Gate’s application, which was initially announced in early 2024 but only recently formalized.

Separately, Sui Naming Limited, the entity behind the Sui Name Service (SuiNS), has applied for the .sui TLD. SuiNS is a blockchain-based naming system for the Sui ecosystem, with over 500,000 registered names to date. The service aims to simplify user interactions within the Sui blockchain by replacing complex wallet addresses with human-readable names. The .sui TLD would further integrate this naming system into the broader domain infrastructure.

Application process and competition

Both applications were submitted through D3, a company specializing in domain infrastructure and TLD management. D3’s role in these filings reflects its broader strategy of partnering with Web3 companies to secure industry-specific TLDs. The applications are part of ICANN’s latest round of TLD expansions, which has seen increased interest from blockchain and cryptocurrency firms seeking to establish branded or ecosystem-specific domains.

Competition for the .gate TLD is particularly notable, as multiple applicants have expressed interest in the string. Namecheap’s Starlight and Link Freedom Group have both filed competing applications, setting the stage for a potential auction or contention resolution process. The outcome will depend on ICANN’s evaluation criteria, which prioritize technical and operational readiness, as well as the applicant’s ability to serve the intended user base.

Implications for Web3 and domain infrastructure

The applications from Gate and SuiNS highlight the growing intersection between blockchain technology and traditional domain infrastructure. For Web3 companies, securing a TLD can provide a unified branding opportunity and simplify user access to decentralized services. For example, a .gate domain could be used to create a seamless experience for users interacting with Gate’s exchange, while .sui could reinforce the Sui ecosystem’s identity.

However, the process is not without challenges. ICANN’s evaluation of TLD applications is rigorous, and competition for desirable strings can lead to prolonged contention resolution or costly auctions. Additionally, the integration of blockchain-based naming systems with traditional DNS infrastructure remains a complex technical and regulatory hurdle.

For domain registrars and infrastructure providers, the influx of Web3 applications presents both opportunities and risks. Companies like D3 stand to benefit from partnerships with blockchain firms, but they must also navigate the technical and operational complexities of supporting these new TLDs. Meanwhile, traditional registrars may face increased competition as Web3 companies seek to control their own domain ecosystems.

What to watch

The next steps for both applications will depend on ICANN’s review process, which typically takes several months. If multiple applicants pass evaluation for the same TLD, ICANN may initiate a contention resolution process, which could involve direct negotiation, comparative evaluation, or auction. Observers will also be watching how Web3 companies integrate their new TLDs into existing services, particularly in cases where blockchain-based naming systems intersect with traditional DNS.

The broader trend of Web3 companies applying for TLDs is likely to continue, as more firms seek to establish branded or ecosystem-specific domains. This could lead to further innovation in how domains are used, but it may also raise questions about the long-term sustainability of niche TLDs and their adoption by mainstream users.