DigitalBrandNews

The devil is in the detail with changes like those proposed for the rules that govern gTLDs.  To help you to understand some of the specifics of the policy, we have compiled a list of highlights below:

Pricing – draft ICANN fee structure

From the draft New gTLD Program: Applicant Guidebook released on 25 October 2008, the fees relating to registering a new gTLD will be:

• gTLD Evaluation Fee – non-refundable fee of US$185,000
• Dispute Resolution Filing Fee – of between US$1,000 and US$5,000 (depending on the dispute provider)
• Dispute Resolution Adjudication Fee – both parties involved in a  dispute over a new gTLD need to submit an advance payment of costs, with the prevailing party receiving a refund once resolution has been rached
• Comparative Evaluation Fee – for community based applications where there are multiple applicants for the same name
• Annual Registry Fixed Fee – a minimum of US$75,000  each year, payable by the registry (see below for Registrar vs Registry information).  Large volumes of second level names would incur a transaction fee of 25 cents/name assuming the registry charges $5 per registration.

Key Dates

• 24 October 2008: Public comment on draft ICANN gTLD Applicant Guidebook commences
• 2-7 November 2008: 32nd ICANN Board meeting in Cairo
• 10 November 2008: Melbourne IT information seminar series commences in London
• 3 December 2008: Melbourne IT information seminar series concludes in Melbourne
• 8 December 2008: Public comment on draft ICANN gTLD Applicant Guidebook closes
• Early 2009: FInal gTLD applicant guidebook to be released

Business on the internet moves at a rapid pace.  Success or failure can hinge upon a company’s ability to act quickly and decisively on new developments in the dynamic digital world. To make the right decisions online, you need the right information and advice at the right time.

Upcoming changes to the rules that govern generic top level domain names (gTLDs) represent a significant impact for digital brand owners globally .   The ICANN Board has approved a core set of recommendations that will allow many new gTLDs to be created and is now seeking feedback on the detailed implementation plan.  As with any major industry change the devil is in the detail.   These changes are likely to both increase the costs for brand owners protecting their online brands, as well as provide opportunities for some brand owners to stand out from their competitors by having their own top level domain name.

How will these proposed changes impact your business or organization?