History of the TLD

The .inc top level domain is a generic gTLD introduced through ICANN’s new gTLD program. It became operational following its sunrise and general availability phases beginning in 2019. The string “inc” refers to “incorporated” and is intended for businesses and corporate entities. The registry is operated by Intercap Registry Inc.

Main Use and Industry Position

.inc is designed for businesses and incorporated entities seeking a domain that conveys corporate status. It serves as a professional namespace for companies, brands, and commercial sites, and is widely recognised for corporate branding, investor relations pages, and professional online presence.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with generic extensions such as .com or .net, .inc provides a clear business focus. It differs from unrestricted gTLDs like .biz by emphasising corporate identity. Unlike regional or niche TLDs, .inc leverages global business recognition and is meaningful across international markets.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly conveys corporate and business identity
  

• Professional perception for incorporated entities
  

• Suitable for branding and corporate online presence
  

Cons

• Higher cost compared with many generic TLDs
  

• Registration restrictions may limit availability for non business entities
  

• Less familiarity among general audiences compared with traditional TLDs such as .com
  
  

Registration Criteria

Registrants must be incorporated entities or businesses. Proof of corporate status is required during registration to ensure alignment with the intended use of the TLD.

Summary

.inc is a business focused generic TLD introduced in 2019 and operated by Intercap Registry Inc. It targets incorporated entities and commercial brands seeking a domain extension that reinforces corporate identity. Registration requires proof of business incorporation, supporting professional and corporate web presence strategies.