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Implementation of New gTLDs is listed as the #1 priority for ICANN according to the three year strategy document just posted by the organization. The principal objective for this priority is to have new gTLDs (including IDNs) and IDN ccTLDs functioning in the root, with the processes to support them embedded in standard operations. The published goal still has the first round of applications launching by mid 2009.
No specific time frame is given for subsequent rounds except that the timeline for the review of the first round application process and procedures, including management of the objection process, is shown extending into late 2011 to provide routine and predictable processes that are acceptable to the Internet community.
This seems to indicate ICANN is serious about getting the procedure right, including safeguards for existing trademark holders. It does bring up a number of other issues, such as how many new gTLDs will be accepted in the first round, and what will be the selection criteria? This could create a competitive issue for brand holders interested in a gTLD given first movers often gain an advantage. On the other hand, the timeline indicates there could be a significant gap between the investment made to register a gTLD and the actual launch date.
These are some of the issues Melbourne IT will be monitoring and providing comment on, and will be able to assist companies with when undertaking the decision making process for determining if, and possibly when, a gTLD should be considered as part of the corporate strategy.
ICANN has posted the meeting agenda for the Mexico City meeting to be held 1 -6 March As anticipated there is a significant amount of time dedicated to the New gTLD Applicant Guidebook. There will be a forum that includes a 90-minute Q&A session and a 30 minute feedback session on Monday and a two and a half hour open microphone session on Thursday. All of these sessions should prove to be very engaging. Melbourne IT will have representatives in attendance to reinforce the views of clients that have already been provided during the public comment period.
Other relevant sessions of the meeting:
The CEO and senior staff of ICANN have released a video update on the applicant guidebook. In it Paul Twomey, CEO of ICANN commented on the responses received and gave insight into some of modifications that can be expected. Following is a summary of the video update.
Mr. Twomey stated there is clear demand from a large number of people for new gTLDs, but there have also been numerous responses from industry associations and businesses concerned with the potential impact of new gTLDs.
Issues raised include the need for additional brand protection measures, with a number of respondents expressing feeling compelled to register their brands at the second level of new gTLDs. Several comments cited the concern of added complexity in combating malicious use of the Internet via methods such as phishing, and malware.
On the technical side there were a few mentions of stability concerns from the combined impact of changes to the root zone, including adding new gTLDs and the addition of International Domain Name (IDN) versions of both new gTLDs and ccTLDs, DNSSEC (DNS Security), and IPv6 records.
Mr. Twomey reported there is an opportunity to review the contractual frameworks for registries and registrars to address some of the concerns that exist within current gTLDs in order to combat issues such as phishing and malware. He stressed that this needs to be in the context of applicable national laws.
In the initial announcement last year, innovation was mentioned as key reason for the initiative. In his video address, Mr. Twomey reiterated that stance saying that innovation often occurs when new opportunities become available through changes in a market conditions, and that not all innovation is directly driven by user demand.
Kurt Pritz, senior vice president services, reported that a summary of comments will be posted, and a new version of the application guidebook will be published in time for the ICANN meeting in Mexico City starting 1 March 2009. The next version will include changes to the evaluation criteria, more detailed procedures, changes in fees paid by registry operators and more protection for marks holders. ICANN will also identify areas requiring further study and consultation.
Mr. Twomey also said it’s likely another draft of the application guidebook would be published for further comment following the meeting in Mexico.
Melbourne IT will provide a summary of the changes in the new draft when they are released, and will again seek feedback from clients to present to ICANN.
On December 3, the United States Department of Commerce (Doc) provided comments to ICANN after a review of the RFP by the US Department of Justice. In the comments, Assistant Secretary Meredith Baker stressed that ICANN address a number of concerns prior to moving forward with any new gTLDs. Ms. Baker’s letter also included the Dept of Justice memorandum that enumerated many of the concerns that have been expressed by the business community regarding the process, and associated cost.
Given that ICANN will need to address a number of points to have the support of the US DoC it is likely the current proposed timelines for rolling out the process will be modified. Look for more information on this as it becomes available.
Click Here to view the Department of Commerce letter.
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?
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