AT-LARGE GATEWAY
At-Large Regional Policy Engagement Program (ARPEP)
At-Large Review Implementation Plan Development
Page History
Defensive Applications for New gTLDs
Comment/Reply Periods (*) | Important Information Links | |
Comment Open: | 6 February 2012 | |
Comment Close: | 27 February 2012 | |
Close Time (UTC): | 23.59 UTC | |
Reply Open: | 28 February 2012 | |
Reply Close: | 20 March 2012 | |
Close Time (UTC): | 23:59 UTC | Report of Public Comments |
Brief Overview |
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Originating Organization: | ICANN | |
Categories/Tags: | Top-Level Domains | |
Purpose (Brief): | The New gTLD Program New gTLD Program features carefully crafted, new protections for trademark owners and consumers. When considering applications for new top-level names, the process is designed to protect these important interests through independent objection and dispute resolution processes (and other processes). However, as the time of the opening of the new gTLD application new gTLD application window drew near, parties stated their perception that they will need to submit "defensive" gTLD applications gTLD applications as a means to protect their trademarks. ICANN is ICANN is seeking public comment on the sources of this perception and how it can be addressed. | |
Current Status: | ICANN is ICANN is seeking public comment on the adoption of enhanced protections, to which some stakeholders recently indicated that there are concerns about the perceived need for "defensive" applications at the top level, and encouraged ICANN to encouraged ICANN to ensure that the program was launched in a manner that protects intellectual property rights. | |
Next Steps: | ICANN will review all submitted comments, analyze, and take steps that could remediate and alleviate the concerns on "defensive" gTLD applications. | |
Staff Contact: | Kurt Pritz | |
Email: | ||
Detailed Information |
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Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose | ensure that subject-matter experts make any determinations on the disputes after considering all of the evidence, The New gTLD Program New gTLD Program was designed to increase competition and choice by introducing new gTLDs into the Internet’s addressing system. The Application Submission period for gTLD applications for gTLD applications opened on 12 January 2012 and will close on 12 April 2012. | |
Additional Considerations The objection process is designed to protect important interests and rights, such as trademark rights. This process is part of a suite of protections that operate for top and second-level names. Nevertheless, there are reports that parties believe that they will need to submit defensive gTLD applications to protect their trademarks, regardless of whether they are interested in using or developing a gTLD. ICANN seeks public comment on the sources of this perception and how it can be addressed. In addition, ICANN wishes to ensure that trademark holders are aware of the options and mechanisms available to them under the new gTLD program, and seeks feedback on ways to improve its outreach efforts to those affected. Section II: Background | The New gTLD Program New gTLD Program was designed to increase competition and choice by introducing new gTLDs into the Internet’s addressing system. The Application Submission period for gTLD applications for gTLD applications opened on 12 January 2012 and will close on 12 April 2012. | |
Section III: Document and Resource Links | Details on all objection and dispute resolution processes can be found in Module 3 of the gTLD Applicant Guidebook. | |
Section IV: Additional Information | The New gTLD Program New gTLD Program website: http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/ |
(*) Comments submitted after the posted Close Date/Time are not guaranteed to be considered in any final summary, analysis, reporting, or decision-making that takes place once this period lapses.