OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, applies for 15 top level domain names

OpenAI has applied for 15 top-level domains, including five dot-brands and several generic strings. The applications show how AI companies are treating the domain namespace as part of their product strategy.

OpenAI filed applications for 15 top-level domains: .agent, .agi, .asi, .chatgpt, .codex, .daybreak, .deploy, .evals, .gpt, .mcp, .model, .oai, .openai, .skill and .voice. Five of these are dot-brand applications: .chatgpt, .codex, .gpt, .oai and .openai. Dot-brands are typically closed registries run for the applicant's own use.

The generic strings are a different matter. .agent has 13 applicants, including Google and Meta, so it will go through ICANN's contention resolution. .gpt also drew two other applicants as an open TLD. When multiple qualified applicants seek the same string, the usual path is a private auction or another agreed resolution.

For domain holders, the immediate effect is small. Applications do not create registrations. The practical questions — whether a TLD opens, who can register, what it costs, and what use is allowed — are decided later, after ICANN evaluation and any contention resolution.

The list also signals direction. Strings like .agent, .skill, .model and .voice point to AI products and interfaces. A company that controls a top-level domain can shape how those terms are used in the namespace, or keep them closed.

Rival Anthropic applied for only .anthropic and .claude. The difference in scope is notable: OpenAI is seeking both brand protection and generic namespace, while Anthropic is staying closer to its brand. Both approaches fit a broader move by large AI companies to control their own top-level domains.

What is still unknown is how ICANN will treat these applications, whether the contested strings will be resolved, and whether OpenAI will operate any of the generic TLDs as open registries. The applications are a statement of intent, not a launch.