1. ICANN Update-
New gTLD Program
New TLD Projects
Online Brand Protection Event
Milano 18 November 2009
Olof Nordling
ICANN
Karla Valente
Director – New gTLD Program
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2. Top-Level Domains in the Root
gTLDs (generic), some
test only!
pre-existing + new ones
IDN TLDs
added in 2000 and 2004
(non-Latin scripts)
rounds
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gTLDs
ccTLDs
249 IDNs
ccTLDs, two-letter country codes,
based on ISO 3166-1
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3. 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
• 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
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4. The Applicant
• 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,
technical and financial capability
• Must pay an application fee (185 kUSD)
– other fees may apply depending on application path
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5. 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
– Has a dedicated registration and use policy
• Standard (Open): Names generally available to any
type of registrant
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6. Main Application Paths
Delegation and
Application Evaluation
Approval
Period Processes
Processes
Identical/Similar TLD
Objection Period and Strings Selection
Dispute Resolution Methods
Processes • Voluntary Agreement
• Community Priority Eval.
• Auction
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7. 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
ICANN’s website at the same time
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8. 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
– 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
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9. The Objection Processes
• Pre-defined objection filing period
• Processed by Dispute Resolution Provider(s)
• Potential grounds for objection
– String Confusion (NCDR)
• Avoid user confusion
– 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! 9

10. 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
contention and be given time to mutually
resolve it
• Proposed selection methods
– Community priority (comparative) evaluation
– Auction
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11. 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
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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12. 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
- 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!
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13. 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
• ”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!
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14. 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:
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/idn/fast-track/idn-cctld-implementation-
plan-30sep09-en.pdf
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