Update on the Trademark ClearingHouse

I have more and more questions regarding the Trademark Clearinghouse so here is an update.

• Reading the project Timeline, I understand the Trademark Clearinhouse will be launched in October 2012;
• Rightsholders should be charged around USD 150 to subscribe and there will be an annual renewal fee;
• Registries will pay too: a set-up fee of USD 7,000 to 10,000 will be due per TLD registry. The set-up fee should cover Sunrise and Trademark Claims processes, as well as assistance in integration and testing;
• ICANN has set up an official web page I suggest all interested parties should visit it. As it says, this page tracks the progress of implementation work done on the Trademark Clearinghouse.

The next date is Wednesday the 27 of June 2012

In June the 27th, there will be a session in Prague which will provide an update on the continuing work toward implementation of the Clearinghouse.


The session will include a review of processes that are being built, such as:

1. Submission of rights information to the Clearinghouse;
2. Sunrise registration and notification processes;
3. Trademark Claims notification processes.

There will be a virtual meeting room to watch session leader Kurt Pritz (Senior Vice President, Stakeholder Relations) update interested parties. Note it is planned that this session will include the participation of one or more providers of Clearinghouse services.

To attend, click here.

New gTLDs ICANN feed back

It is possible to comment applications on the ICANN web site but it is also possible to provide a simple feed-back regarding something you've liked - or not.

You can sumbit your feed-back on the "New gTLD Program Feedback" page.

At the moment I write this, there are 4 comments (which are not very optimistic by the way) but hey give anyone the opportunity to give an advice. I would say this is fair-play, thank you ICANN.

Note, ICANN reserves the right to remove feedback that does not adhere to "ICANN Expected Standards of Behavior" and "ICANN's Open Comment Forum Process and Standards".

You can feed-back on the new gTLD program feedback.

Top-Level Domains Infographics

"Infographics" allow to have a fast and, most of the time, good visual snapshot of a situation. A few new gTLD players (journalists, service providers, bloggers...) have given us their best shot:

• A glimpse of what the Internet will look like in the near future: check the Infographic here;
• Analysis of the the extensions: check the Infographic here;
• Some visual facts about the new gTLDs: check the infographic here.

The .MENU Top-Level Domain

What is the purpose/mission of the proposed, .MENU generic Top-Level Domain?

The .menu gTLD will benefit proposed registrants, internet users and others by offering an internet space exclusively dedicated to restaurant menus of all kinds, and their affiliated constituents:

• The Registry will focus on restaurant menus, supporting and building directories around each category of dining by geography;
• Dedication to this subject will allow the Registry to become the chosen destination for all seeking restaurant and menu information;
• The proposed gTLD will promote competition by creating a digital environment dedicated to all social, informational and commercial aspects of restaurants and their menus;
• The Registry will establish category and geography-specific community directory websites;
• The proposed gTLD will catalyze innovation by creating an online community devoted to the menus of the global restaurant industry;
• .menu will allow for the following innovations:
• Search: optimized and customized;
• Community-specific premium domains that will be utilized for the benefit of all interested parties;
• Targeted and more cost-effective advertising;
• The ability to create and analyze community metrics;
• Lay the foundation for a community-specific e-commerce platform.

Operating rules

1. Method for resolving multiple applications for a particular name
1. During the Sunrise period, multiple applications for a particular domain, assuming all are properly listed in the Trademark Clearinghouse and⁄or otherwise verified at the Registry’s discretion, will be resolved through an auction.
2. During the Landrush period, multiple applications for a particular domain name will be resolved through an auction process. 
3. During the general registration process, multiple applications for a particular domain name will be resolved on a first come first serve basis.
2. Cost benefits to registrants intended for implementation:
1. The Registry reserves the right to offer introductory discounts and advantageous pricing to industry leaders or other entities that enhance the community reputation and visibility of the gTLD.
2. The Registry may coordinate with registrars to offer price discounts to customers purchasing multiple domains or bundled services.
3. Intended contractual commitments to registrants regarding the magnitude of price escalation:
1. The Registry will comply with the Registry Agreement and will make contractual commitments to registrants regarding the pricing policy. This includes complying with all pricing requirements detailed in Article 2.10 of ICANN’s New gTLD Registry Agreement.
2. The Registry may from time to time increase prices in accordance with market rates and other applicable factors throughout the internet community.

Read the complete application details here.