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New gTLDs update
ICANN Releases Latest Applicant Guidebook With Minimal Changes The introduction of new generic Top Level Domains is getting closer, but the application window for applicants is getting even closer. ICANN will begin accepting new gTLD applications for a three month period commencing 12 January 2012 and all potential applicants must least register in the online application system by 29 March 2012.
Another step on the long and winding road was the release of the latest version of the Applicant Guidebook on 19 September. The Applicant Guidebook is a comprehensive guide for applicants that describes the new gTLD programme’s requirements and evaluation processes.
The Applicant Guidebook has been developed and improved through extensive public review by specialised working groups and ICANN’s Supporting Organisations and Advisory Committees. Each draft has been accompanied by extensive public comment analyses, explanatory memoranda, and independent reports.
The modifications to the latest edition of the Applicant Guidebook are limited and primarily relate to changes directed by the Board resolution from the 20 June meeting in Singapore.
Of the changes, there was acceptance of advice given by the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) and by lobbying from the International Olympic Movement and the International Red Cross. One of the more significant changes is ICANN added “Olympic” and “Red Cross” in a number of languages to the ineligible strings for delegation, in addition to the top level reserved names on the list.
ICANN has said previously that the Applicant Guidebook is a living document and will be regularly updated as deemed necessary, although it would be expected these will be of a limited nature. Some of these changes may come about from further GAC advice. One change that is likely to come about with the GAC expressing its intention to develop a standard vocabulary and set of rules for use in providing its advice in this program.
In addition, there are certain areas where work is still ongoing, such as whether single character Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs) can be delegated as TLDs, ensuring continued registry operation through a continued operations instrument, and providing support for applicants from developing countries through the work of the Joint Applicant Support working group where ICANN is considering a recommendation for a fee waiver corresponding to 76 per cent of the evaluation fee.
The fees for applications have remained the same with applicants still needing to submit a US$5000 evaluation fee when applicants submit an application to gain an application slot with the remaining $180,000 to be submitted with the full application. Successful applicants will also be required to pay an annual operating fee of $25,000 with successful gTLDs that exceed a transaction volume required to pay an additional variable fee. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate they have the technical capacity to run the gTLD.
It is likely many applicants will seek assistance with their applications and outsource the running of their registry, and eBrand Services in partnership with Deloitte will gladly assist applicants here.
The full version of the Applicant Guidebook along with a marked up summary of the guidebook are available from http://newgtlds.icann.org/
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12 April 2012ICANN has found itself having to take offline their TLD application system, or TAS, due to a security glitch that has taken them sometime to fix. The problem saw some applicants being able to see some other applicants’ file names and user names. However ICANN say no users were able to able to view competitors’ data apart from file names and user names that belonged to other applicants.
continue 29 March 2012Today (29 March) is the closing date when applicants have to be registered in ICANN’s online TLD Application System (TAS) and the number of registered users is growing rapidly. The latest figure published by ICANN shows that as of 25 March there were 839 registered users, up from 556 on 23 March and 329 on 19 March.
continue 26 March 2012With the closing date to register your new Top Level Domain in ICANN’s TLD Application System (TAS), the online system for submission of new gTLD applications, imminent, it’s time to take a look at what we know about applicants so far.
continue 5 March 2012ICANN’s programme for new generic Top Level Domains has met with stiff resistance from several trademark holders, principally North American associations that largely neglected the drafting of guidelines and development of provisions for the protection of trademark holders. Taking their concerns into account, ICANN announced they will be establishing an independent Trademark Clearinghouse to protect trademark holders.
continue 13 February 2012As the three month application window for new generic Top Level Domains nears the half way point, there are announcements trickling out on new applicants. There are now around ten brand names that have become public, but with most estimates of around 1000 to 1500 applications, and a majority of these being brand names, it is becoming clear most applicants will not be known until 1 May when ICANN releases the full list of applicants.
continue 30 January 2012La mise en vente des noms de domaines génériques de premier niveau est une petite révolution de l’e-économie. Les entreprises luxembourgeoises sont à l’affut, prêtes à profiter des dispositions fiscales et des infrastructures.
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