Domain Blocking Services Explained: DPML, AdultBlock and GlobalBlock
Domain blocking services let trademark owners block their brand across hundreds of extensions with one purchase instead of registering each domain. Domain blocking services require verified rights before a block can be created. DPML relies on a Trademark Clearinghouse Signed Mark Data file, while AdultBlock and GlobalBlock accept broader forms of verified trademark, company, or other qualifying rights under their respective eligibility policies. Blocks cannot take an already registered domain away from its current registrant. Depending on the product, however, matching names can be monitored and automatically added to the block if they later expire or are deleted.
What Is a Domain Block?
A block withholds a name from registration instead of registering it to you. Nobody holds the domain, so a blocked name cannot host a website, receive email or redirect traffic. One purchase covers every participating extension, which lets a brand deter squatters across hundreds of extensions without registering each one. A trademark owner with the right Sunrise rights can still override a DPML block to register the name.
The Main Blocking Products
Product | Operator | Coverage | Term |
DPML | Identity Digital | About 300 Identity Digital extensions | 1 to 10 years |
DPML+ | Identity Digital | Same extensions, plus premium names and variant labels | 1 to 10 years |
AdultBlock and AdultBlock+ | ICM Registry | .adult, .porn, .sex and .xxx, with the + tier adding unlimited labels and Unicode variants | 1, 3, 5 or 10 years |
GlobalBlock and GlobalBlock+ | Brand Safety Alliance | 800+ extensions across multiple registries, with the + tier adding look-alike variants | 1, 2 or 3 years |
DPML requires a Trademark Clearinghouse Signed Mark Data (SMD) file. Other products also accept other verified evidence, with rules that vary by product, so check the operator's current terms.
What Blocks Don't Cover
Names already registered by someone else. A block cannot take back an existing domain.
Typo variants. Standard blocks match your exact label. Variant coverage needs a higher tier and still cannot catch every typo.
Extensions outside the product's list. DPML and AdultBlock exclude legacy extensions like .com and .net, and country-code coverage, such as .co.uk or .de, is limited or absent.
Blocking vs Defensive Registration at NameSilo
Goal | Best tool |
Names you will use or redirect: .com, .net, key ccTLDs | Register |
Common typos that send real traffic or email | Register |
The long tail of extensions you will never use | Block |
Registration is affordable at the .com level. Ten defensive .com domains cost $199.90 a year at the $19.99 standard rate, or $120.00 a year at the $12.00 Discount Program rate. Point all of them to your main site with NameSilo's free domain forwarding, and keep WHOIS privacy on at no charge. Our guides to defending against typosquatters and which extensions to own help you choose.
Securing the Names You Own
Blocks do nothing for domains already in your account. At NameSilo, layer these protections:
Registrar lock. On by default.
Security questions. Free Domain Defender challenges block unlocking, transfers and contact changes, even inside a logged-in session.
2FA. It protects the login itself.
Registry Lock. Available for .com, .net, .cc and .tv brand domains.
What This Means for You
Register the names you use, block the long tail, and lock everything you own. Start by searching for your brand name across the extensions that matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a domain blocking service?
A registry service that withholds your brand from registration across many extensions with one purchase.
What is DPML?
Identity Digital's Domains Protected Marks List, which blocks your trademark across its extensions.
What is the difference between DPML and DPML+?
DPML+ adds premium names and variant labels to the standard block.
What is GlobalBlock?
A Brand Safety Alliance product that blocks exact-match names across 800+ extensions and several registries.
Do I need a trademark to block a domain?
You need verified evidence. DPML requires a Trademark Clearinghouse record, and other products accept additional proof.
Does a domain block protect against typosquatting?
Only partly. Standard blocks match exact labels, so register the typos that matter.
Is blocking cheaper than defensive registration?
It suits the long tail of extensions. For the few names you use, registering is simpler.
How do I protect my brand domains at NameSilo?
Use registrar lock, Domain Defender, 2FA, and Registry Lock for eligible extensions.
NameSilo Staff
The NameSilo staff of writers worked together on this post. It was a combination of efforts from our passionate writers that produce content to educate and provide insights for all our readers.
