The Implementation Recommendation Team (IRT) sanctioned by ICANN has provided the first draft of their trademark protection proposal.

The report describes in detail several proposed solutions to improve trademark protection in the new gTLD process.  The two main elements are:

  • A fee supported, IP clearinghouse of globally protected marks that would be provided to registies. Information would provided by rights holders and verified and updated annually by the clearinghouse, and pushed out to the necessary parties.
  • Draft Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) procedure to provide a cost effective and timely mechanism for brand owners to protect their trademarks and to promote consumer protection on the Internet.  The URS would allow for immediate protection response against malicious activities, but would continue to work in conjunction with the current UDRP process to resolve legitimate disputes.

Other consideration in the proposal include:

  • Post delegation dispute resolution mechanisms at the top level
  • Thick WHOIS model requirements for new TLDs
  • Use of algorithm in string confusion review during initial evaluation

Melbourne IT will be conducting a webinar on Tuesday 5 May to provide details of the report’s recommendations and receive feedback from customers.  Melbourne IT has been invited to provide input to the IRT team at its meeting on Monday, 11 May 2009, and information from the webinar will be the basis for our report to the IRT team.

The full report by the IRT can be vied by clicking here.