New gTLD ProgramICANN Update-

New TLD Projects

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Karla Valente

Director – New gTLD Program

Online Brand Protection EventMilano 18 November 2009

Olof Nordling

ICANN

Top-Level Domains in the Root

2113

test only!IDN TLDs(non-Latin scripts)

gTLDs (generic), some pre-existing + new ones added in 2000 and 2004 rounds

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249

gTLDs

ccTLDs

IDNs

ccTLDs, two-letter country codes, based on ISO 3166-1

New gTLD Program

• Policy developed 2005 – 2007, adopted in June 2008• Open approach; no pre-defined number limit, applicants

to propose strings• Clearly defined grounds for objections• Fees to recover costs

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• Fees to recover costs• Rounds initially, aiming at ongoing process later• Implementation of the policy - proposed “Applicant

Guidebook”, Oct 2008, version 2, Feb 2009• Version 3, Oct 2009, open for comments until 22 Nov!• STILL A DRAFT - additional iteration before adoption by

the ICANN Board

• Any public or private established entity from anywhere in the world

• Must follow all application steps and rules as pre-established and published

• Must demonstrate organizational, operational,

The Applicant

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• Must demonstrate organizational, operational, technical and financial capability

• Must pay an application fee (185 kUSD) – other fees may apply depending on application path

The Proposed gTLD

• Community-based:– Addresses a clearly identified, organized and pre-

established community– Is endorsed by that community– Nexus between the string and the community– Nexus between the string and the community– Has a dedicated registration and use policy

• Standard (Open): Names generally available to any type of registrant

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Main Application Paths

ApplicationPeriod

Evaluation Processes

Delegation and Approval

Processes

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Objection Period and Dispute Resolution

Processes

Identical/Similar TLD Strings Selection

Methods• Voluntary Agreement• Community Priority Eval.• Auction

The Application Period

• Expected to last at least 45 calendar days• Will follow 4-month communications period• Applications will be reviewed for completeness• Information on all applications will be posted on • Information on all applications will be posted on

ICANN’s website at the same time

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The Evaluation Processes

• Review of applicant’s organizational, operational, technical and financial capability

• Check of the proposed TLD string– Must not lead to technical instability or

unwanted/unexpected results in the DNS

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– Must not be a reserved name or existing TLD– Must not cause string confusion– Geographic names require gov’t support

• Evaluation panels and examiners- Selection process under way

• Extended evaluation in some cases– Same baseline criteria

The Objection Processes

• Pre-defined objection filing period• Processed by Dispute Resolution Provider(s)• Potential grounds for objection

– String Confusion (NCDR)• Avoid user confusion

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– Infringement of Rights (WIPO)• Protection of intellectual property and other pre-existing rights

– Morality and Public Order (ICC)• Additional safeguards; interests of governments

– Community Objection (ICC)• Protection of community interests (e.g. geographically based,

indigenous, religious organizations)

• Plus availability of an Independent Objector!

String Contention Processes

• Two or more qualified applicants for identical or similar TLD strings that successfully passed the evaluation and objection phases

• Applicants will be informed about the

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• Applicants will be informed about the contention and be given time to mutually resolve it

• Proposed selection methods– Community priority (comparative) evaluation– Auction

Delegation

• Standard base agreement• Formal Board approval• Actual delegation of a new gTLD to a successful

applicant is contingent upon the applicant's demonstration, to the extent possible, that it has fulfilled demonstration, to the extent possible, that it has fulfilled the commitments required to meet the baseline criteria

• Pre-determined period of time to make all necessary structural arrangements for the pre-delegation phase

• IANA procedure to add the TLD to the root

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Public comments highlighted:

• Multiple detailed issues, addressed in v.2 and 3• Some overarching issues: studies and plans

published together with version 3- Trademark protection

IP Clearinghouse, URS

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IP Clearinghouse, URS - Malicious conduct

Thick WHOIS, High Security Zones - Root zone scaling

Study reviewed by SSAC for Board advice- Economic aspects

Review of studies, registry/registrar separation

• Need to get these aspects right before launch!

IDNs - Internationalized Domain Names

• IDNs currently only on the second level• IDN TLDs needed for a more globally and culturally

inclusive Internet• IDN gTLDs included in the New gTLD round• IDN ccTLDs foreseen, policy development ongoing

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• IDN ccTLDs foreseen, policy development ongoing• ”Fast Track ” process to satisfy urgent needs for

IDN ccTLDs for non-Latin scripts, final implementation plan published 30 September

• ”Fast track” approved by the ICANN Board in Seoul. Launch 16 November 2009!

Thank You!

More Information:

• www.icann.org• Current New gTLD Guidebook :http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-3-en.htm#files

• Fast Track Implementation Plan:

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• Fast Track Implementation Plan:http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/idn-cctld-implementation-

plan-30sep09-en.pdf