What is "sunrise period"

n. (context Internet English) The period of time at the launch of a new top-level domain or second-level domain during which trademark owners may register domain names containing their trademarks (to prevent cybersquatting).

The sunrise period of domain registration is a special period during which trademark holders may preregister names that are the same or similar to their trademarks in order to avoid cybersquatting. This occurs prior to the general launch of the top-level domain (TLD). In order to register, the group or individual must be able to prove their prior right to the name. The sunrise period serves as a test period, and is followed by the landrush period and/or General Availability.