This document summarizes information about new top-level domains and trademark protection. It discusses that ICANN is introducing many new top-level domains, in addition to the existing generic and country-code top-level domains. It outlines several levels of trademark protection for these new top-level domains, including objection processes for applied-for names and mechanisms like Sunrise Periods and Trademark Claims Services at the second level. The document also notes the significant application fees, annual fees, and review processes involved for any organization applying for a new top-level domain.
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.brand -Trade Mark Protection and the Internet Revolution
1. .brandTrade Mark Protection and the Internet Revolution Adrian Kinderis - CEO AusRegistry International 7th April 2011
2. Today Speaker Profile Introduction to new Top-Level Domains The Impact on you! Top-Level Domain Protection Second-Level Domain Name Protection New Top Level Domain Application Process Timelines Q & A
25. Protection Public review of Applications ICANN will post applications for 45 days for public comment and a summary will be provided to evaluators to conduct their own analysis Formal objection process Will open once applications are published Likely open for five months Objections lodged with dispute resolution service providers (DRSPs) four types of objections String contention Community Morality & Public Order Legal Rights
26. Risks Multiple organisations can apply for the same or similar name provided the use of the name is consistent with Trade Mark law E.g. an apple growing organisation can apply for .apple as long as it is not used in the context of selling computers A community group with the same name will be given precedence (community priority) If multiple organisations apply and both meet all criteria then an auction will be used to select an organisation to operate the TLD Irrespective of size or reach of trademarks, ‘eligible’ means anyone with any trademark or legal right to the mark in any country, jurisdiction or industry Once a name is approved then a confusingly similar name would not be allowed E.g. if .com exists, .kom may not be allowed
30. Protection A new TLD must provide pre-launch rights protection mechanisms (RPMs) that cover either: Sunrise Period Provides Trade Mark holders with a first right to register Trade Mark Clearinghouse – central database to store authenticated information for all new gTLD registries Substantive evaluation will occur either at registration or at validation and is required on absolute grounds AND use of the mark Trade Mark Claims Service Provides information to a potential registrant of Trade Mark rightsthat exist on the particular name Trade Mark holders have no additional right overnon-Trade Mark holders
32. Protection Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) The URS gives a trademark holder the ability to make a complaint around a Domain Name that infringes on its trademark – USD 300 filing fee The registrant of the domain is notified and the URS provider will advise the Registry to have the domain locked within 24 hours, however it remains online and still viewable The registrant has 14 days to respond with their defense If appeal upheld, name is suspended for the duration of its registration If appeal dismissed, name is unlocked and returns to it’s normal state Then determination of eligibility is made purely on the materials submitted by both parties – no hearing will take place
33. Protection Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) – existing policy Results in cancellation of the domain or transfer of the domain name to the complainant Existing policy has just been updated for the first time in over 6 years and should be revisited by all Trade Mark holders http://wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/overview2.0
34. Risks at the Second Level Process required by Trade Mark holders: Review each of the new gTLDs Decide whether they are related or unrelated to the brand On related gTLDs, assess the risk and rate in relation to level of restriction and likely take up Analyse the risk rating for each new gTLD and decide protection in order of importance to the brand and company
37. Latest Information In October 2010, The World Trademark Review published these finding of its exclusive survey: Almost 50% of Trade Mark Lawyers surveyed believe that new gTLDs are a “good business opportunity Over 50% of those surveyed support the Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS)
40. Process Each new gTLD application will be subject to: US$185,000 application fee US$25,000 annual licensing fee 50 questions requiring detailed answers in relation to: Technical capability – IPv6, DNSSEC, etc Financial capability Business Operations Rigorous external review by industry experts Substantial financial resources needed for operation Financial guarantees