MARINA DEL REY, CA - The second version of the Applicant Guidebook for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) generated continued public interest, as expressed by over 200 comments received, according to a press release by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) stated.
A comprehensive report is being released; comments are organized by topic and each is followed by analysis describing how the issues raised in the commentary can be reflected in the Guidebook. (A similar report for the first version of the guidebook was posted in February 2009).
This analysis, the additional excerpts and explanatory memos allow people to see how their comments will affect the next version of the guidebook.
Many changes have been made as a result of the comments so far received. Discussions relating to the overarching issues will continue, and other subject areas have been revised and are being posted as guidebook excerpts for public comments.
One of the more significant is the recommendation that the proposed registry agreement for new gTLDs be modified to reflect a requirement that all registries offer "Thick" Whois service.
Providing Whois service is a central obligation of gTLD registries and registrars under contract with ICANN. Many comments to the proposed registry agreement seek to mandate thick Whois for all new registries suggesting substantial benefits will result, including enhanced accessibility and enhanced stability.
Other revisions include proposed clarifications to: handling of geographical names, evaluation questions, comparative evaluation scoring, dispute resolution procedures and other registry agreement provisions.
These revisions along with all the others in this round will also be discussed at the ICANN meeting in Sydney starting June 21, 2009. The excerpts and analysis are supported by four explanatory memoranda.
The public comment period for the guidebook excerpts released will be open until July 20, 2009.
There are four overarching issues:
• Trademark Protection
• The Economic Analysis of new gTLDs
• Financial Analysis
• Objection Process
The comments received to the material released, together with the outcomes of the discussions relating to the overarching issues will constitute the basis for the third version of the guidebook that will be published at the end of the third quarter 2009.
ICANN continues to balance the need to progress with the new gTLD program with community concerns on specific aspects. With that in mind, the program is expected to launch (i.e., applications will be accepted) in the first quarter of 2010, but we will not open the process until concerns about the overarching issues have been addressed.
