New Top-Level Domains to be Introduced by ICANN
Thu, Apr 9th, 2009
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the oversight body for worldwide domain names, is scheduled to launch new generic top-level domain names (gTLDs) later this year. The launch will be the culmination of several years of policy discussions and meetings around the world, including significant technical study and review of comments from the public, governments, industry and other stakeholders.
Under the current system, there are only 21 gTLDs available in the Internet's addressing regime. A gTLD is the technical term used to describe the suffixes appearing at the end of Internet addresses, such as .com, .org and .info. In addition to these 21 common gTLDs, there are also currently some 250 country-code top-level domains, consisting of two letter suffixes identifying a particular country, such as .de (Germany), .fr (France), .it (Italy), etc.
Under the new rules, an unlimited number of top-level domain names may be created, up to 64 characters in length, reflecting anything from generic words to trademarks. For example, Google may apply for the top-level domain name .google. It is also expected that applicants will apply for broad categories such as .shop, .games, .books and any other number of common category names. The new names will be assigned on a first come first served basis, but as with the current system will remain subject to intellectual property rights and other considerations.
ICANN is not expecting to be deluged with applications once the process begins. A significant hurdle to prospective applicants will be the approximately $185,000 price tag. Any company interested in applying for a gTLD will be required to follow ICANN's Applicant Guidebook, which is currently in draft form but is expected to be released in final format shortly. Initially, applications from individuals and non-established businesses will not be accepted.
Under the application process, ICANN will publish all proposed gTLDs on its website, and third parties will be permitted a specified time period to object. Currently, under ICANN guidelines, there are only four grounds for objection: (1) string confusion, (2) legal rights objections, (3) morality and public order, and (4) community objections. Any disputes over applications will be resolved by one of three international dispute resolution bodies selected by ICANN. Notably, ICANN will not notify brand owners of any brand applications, and therefore companies will need to monitor ICANN's published list regularly to protect their trademark rights.
If you have any questions regarding the process or related intellectual property rights, please contact Garry Berger at (203) 438-8705 or garry@bergerlegal.com.
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