# objc_allocateProtocol(_:) Creates a new protocol instance. ``` func objc_allocateProtocol(_ name: UnsafePointer) -> Protocol? ``` ## Parameters `name` The name of the protocol you want to create. ## Return Value A new protocol instance or `nil` if a protocol with the same name as `name` already exists. ## Discussion You must register the returned protocol instance with the [`objc_registerProtocol(_:)`](/documentation/ObjectiveC/objc_registerProtocol(_:)) function before you can use it. There is no dispose method associated with this function. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)