Update on the Trademark Clearinghouse - Part2

This post follows my previous post.

The PDF presentation to be downloaded down the page explains:

• The Trademark Clearinhouse (definition);
• Key design principles;
• Project schedule;
• Project status: accomplishments;
• "Going forward";
• Process and Function Overview:
• Verification process;
• Correction process;
• Registry support;
• User Support;
• Sunrise Services;
• Trademark Claims;
• Third Party Dispute;
• Testing Process.
• "Next steps".

Download PDF presentation down this page.

Update on new gTLD Objection & Dispute Resolution

These 4 presentations are a must-read for anyone who wants to object or face an objection(s).

The new gTLD Objection and Dispute Resolution window opened on 13 June 2012 and is scheduled to run for approximately seven months. There are 4 grounds for objection: String Confusion, Legal Rights, Limited Public Interest and Community.

• Who will administer objections?
• Did you know an applicant facing an Limited Public Interest or Community objection must pay to answer it ?
• Did you know the objection prevails if the objection is not answer in time?
• Did you know the procedure can be done in English only?
• Did you know the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) appoints the experts whose hourly rate are € 450 (ICC Administrative Expenses normally: 1 Member Expert Panel: € 12 000)?
• Did you know a failure to timely reply  a string confusion objection is a default?
• Did you know...these objection mechanisms are a perfect scheme to... :-)

Find these answers in the 4 presentations to be downloaded down this page.

ICANN new gTLD Program Update

The PDF presentation of yesterday's agenda is available and updates on questions below:

1. Application process:
1. Application statistics;
2. Customer service;
3. TAS interruption.
2. Evaluation process:
1. Timeline;
2. Partners;
3. Applicant support.
3. Batching:
1. Other implementation work;
2. 2nd round planning;
3. Rights protection mechanisms.

Download ICANN presentation here.

The .YACHTS Top-Level Domain

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

DERYachts, LLC (hereafter “DERYachts”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dominion Enterprises (“Dominion”), has filed this application for a .YACHTS gTLD with the intention of bringing to market a trusted, hierarchical, and intuitive namespace for consumers that will contain listings of boats for sale, as well as a repository of goods and services related to boats.

The business model for the .YACHTS gTLD is currently broken into two stages:

1. Allocated Strings and Client Strings:
1. At the current stage of analysis, the business model for .YACHTS is one in which generic strings (“motor yacht,” “sailing yacht,” “super yacht,” etc.) and geographic (city⁄state) domain names would initially be reserved and⁄or allocated to one or more Dominion online marine properties.
2. Following initial allocation, Dominion’s existing clients across the different marine property groups would be initially permitted to register domain names.
2. Registration by Non-Clients: DERYachts is currently evaluating a validation process to allow non-Dominion clients to register domain names in the .YACHTS gTLD.

Operating rules

DERYachts currently envisions initially offering domain name registration services mainly to Dominion marine property groups and their existing clients.
In these cases, having an existing contractual relationship with Dominion would be a condition for the ability to register a .YACHTS domain name.


Read the complete application details here.

Planning for the next gTLD round (Up-date)

The ICANN Board reaffirmed ICANN’s commitment to opening a second round of applications in the New gTLD Program as expeditiously as possible.

Date of the next ICANN conference on this question is : Mon, 25 June 2012 - 17:30 - 18:30

For those interested in watching, remote participation (with high bandwidth) will be possible in the virtual meeting room.

It is not possible yet to state a specific date for the second round because of the work ICANN has committed to related to the first round. First, the applications from the first round must be processed. In addition, ICANN previously committed to addressing the recommendations of the Governmental Advisory Committee requirements for assessment of trademark protections and root zone operation as a result of the first round. 

This session will ask participants to discuss ways to satisfy the prerequisites for launching the next round: particularly those concerning trademark protections and root zone stability. This will inform planning.

The .MAYONNAISE Top-Level Domain

Oups...sorry, I meant "KETCHUP".


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

ProMark Brands Inc, a subsidiary of H.J. Heinz Company, has filed this application for a .KETCHUP gTLD with the intention of bringing to market a trusted, hierarchical, and intuitive namespace for consumers to access content related to Heinz Tomato Ketchup worldwide.

• ProMark intends to initially limit registration and use of domain names within the .KETCHUP gTLD to Heinz and its qualified subsidiaries and affiliates;
• After year 3, ProMark will evaluate whether opportunities exist to carry out the business strategy for the .KETCHUP gTLD through expansion that continues the sustainable operations of the registry through fee-based registrations to parties other than Heinz and its qualified subsidiaries and affiliates.
• Four stage rollout for the .KETCHUP gTLD:
• Heinz will register a limited number of .KETCHUP second-level domain names;
• ProMark will begin allocating domain names in the .KETCHUP gTLD for more widespread internal corporate use and it will evaluate expanding the operations of the gTLD to permit registration by other registrants, such as licensees and strategic partners;
• ProMark may begin to implement the permanent migration of Internet traffic away from the gTLDs in which Heinz’s domain names are currently registered, and toward the .KETCHUP gTLD;
• ProMark will assess whether its business plan and expansion strategy should be augmented by extending registration rights to a broader class of licensees, potentially including customers of Heinz.

Operating rules

ProMark’s proposed operating rules to limit registration to Heinz and its qualified subsidiaries and affiliates



Read the complete application details here.