The upcoming launch of new gTLDs has lots of people excited, but there is also a lot of confusion and misperceptions going around. Pre-registration in particular is causing a lot of headaches as it introduces an unofficial step in the process; in reality its just a marketing ploy.
The Trademark Clearinghouse is the one and only ticket to securing your brand during the Sunrise phases; which will be taking place over the next 2-3 years. ICANN still has a long way to go before all the new strings are released; and many of the most popular strings are contested by multiple parties.
Remind your customers we still have a long way to go before all the dust will settle. OpenSRS will be providing resellers with an interface to offer TMCH applications to protect trademarks and brands and give your customers first right of refusal.