https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2014-11-07-en
7 November 2014
Following a 90-day public consultation period, ICANN is implementing a solution to allow new gTLD registries to release names from their Second-level Domain (SLD) Block Lists while complying with all Rights Protection Mechanism requirements. ICANN will provide affected registries with an addendum [PDF, 68 KB] to their Name Collision Occurrence Assessments that explains how to release blocked names, by 14 November 2014.
To release these names, the approach requires registry operators to implement an "exclusive registration period" that meets the criteria described in its "Assessment Addendum," limited to the following category of names:
Registry operators can choose one of two paths for conducting an exclusive registration period:
Option A – ICANN Selected Exclusive Registration Dates
Registry Operator may opt into one of two exclusive registration periods published by ICANN by providing a minimum of ten (10) days notice to ICANN of its decision to do so, followed by at least thirty (30) days of an exclusive registration period. The start dates for each exclusive registration period will be publicized to enhance awareness among eligible rights holders. ICANN strongly encourages this option to streamline communications and expedite the process for release of names from the SLD Block List.
For Option A, Exclusive Registration Period timeframes are as follows:
Option B – Registry Operator Selected Exclusive Registration Dates
Registries not opting for Option A may provide an exclusive registration period under the same requirements as the registry's original Sunrise Period:
All registry operators must submit their exclusive registration period information to ICANN via the GDD Portal.
The 90-day consultation was specified in measure II, Section C of the Name Collision Occurrence Assessment and a resolution of the New gTLD Program Committee of the ICANN Board.