Wineries apply for Top-Level Domains

A major American winery launches two generic Top-Level Domains which represent two of its brands:

1. The .GALLO Top-Level Domain (ex: www.wine.gallo);
2. The .BAREFOOT Top-Level Domain (ex: www.wine.barefoot).

Both Trademarks belong to Gallo Vineyards, Inc. , a leader in the U.S. wine industry and a leading provider of California wines in select markets outside the U.S.

The new .gallo and .barefoot domain name extensions will operate as restricted registries, in which Gallo Vineyards Inc. (Gallo) can create and control domain spaces that promote their brand identity and authenticity.

Given the restricted nature of both .barefoot and .gallo gTLDs, the projected number of registration is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of domain names (50x2) will be registered in the first year for each extension. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase to about 350 (x2) domain names as Gallo develops and implements new services and marketing campaigns.

Protection of Geographic Names

Gallo intends to create relevant domain names for use including geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names, Gallo will use geographic names to localise its websites in the countries in which it operates. The use of geographic names is intended to:

• connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and;
• comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory.

All Two-character labels and Country and Territory Names will be initially reserved.

Gallo intends to use any Two-character label and⁄or Country or Territory Name domains in Gallo’s discretion, and to participate in or implement a process by which any Government may reasonably object to that use. Gallo envisions a number of possible scenarios for ensuring Government agreement to the use of Country and Territory names:

1. Gallo will send a letter to the chair of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) informing the GAC of its intention to use geographical names in the .barefoot and/or .gallo gTLD. The letter will outline the reasons for using geographical names and provide Governments with the opportunity to contact Gallo within 90 days to reserve their respective geographical name from use in the .barefoot or .gallo gTLD.
2. Gallo will send a letter to the Government concerned and inform it of Gallo’s intention to use geographical names in the .barefoot and/or .gallo gTLD. The letter will outline the reasons for using geographical names and provide the Government with the opportunity to contact Gallo within 90 days to reserve its respective geographical name from use in the .barefoot or .gallo gTLD.
3. Gallo will send a letter to the Government concerned and inform it of Gallo’s intention to use geographical names in the .barefoot and/or .gallo gTLD. The letter will outline the reasons for using geographical names and request the Government’s approval or non-objection to the proposed use of the geographical name. Should the Government not respond to the Gallo within 90 days, Gallo will understand this to mean that the Government does not object to Gallo’s proposed use of the geographical name.

Read more about the first winery worldwide to have applied for generic Top-Level Domains: .gallo and .barefoot gTLDs