Techno Legal Assistance By PTLB For Filing GTLD Applications To ICANN

The world of domain name has been significantly changed after the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved its long-awaited new gTLD allotments at its Second Public Meeting of the year on 20th June 2011 at Singapore. However, ICANN 41 is much more than just gTLD meeting as many more crucial and related issues would also be discussed.

Meanwhile, it has been finally decided that gTLDs would be issues during the starting of next year. Although the decision has been taken yet there are many challenges that must be successfully met in order to enjoy the benefits of gTLDs. Further, the window of opportunity would be opened for a short period of time hence there is no scope for any mistakes.

The period for applying for gTLDs would starts on January 12, 2012, and will end on April 12, 2012. Applicants must apply within this short period of time that also successfully and without mistakes.

Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) strongly recommend that the trademark owners, brand owners, etc must start getting enough knowledge about the procedure as soon as possible. This way they can formulate their strategies in this regard much before the application period begins.

Since the conditions imposed by ICANN are very stringent, it would be a smart move to constitute a team of techno legal experts who can successfully file the application and get the gTLD registered.

Interested persons or organisations may contact PTLB in this regard for collaborations or partnerships. Further, those interested in obtaining a gTLD may also contact us in this regard, if they deem it necessary.

Domain Names, Brands, Trademarks, Cybersquatting, ICANN And WIPO

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) would hold the Second Public Meeting of the year on 20th June 2011 at Singapore. ICANN administers the Internet’s Domain Name System. ICANN could vote to approve its proposed program to introduce an unlimited number of new Generic Top-Level Domain Names (GTLD ).

This proposal has far reaching consequences for Domain Name, Brands holders, Trademark owners and even for International Organisations like ICANN and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). This decision would give a new meaning to Domain Names Protection, Brands Protection, Trademarks Protection, Cybersquatting Disputes Resolution, Cyber Law Compliances, Cyber Security requirements, Cyber Due Diligence, etc.

Domain Name Protection would now require additional resources and efforts as the number of Cybersquatting cases would increase drastically. Even WIPO had confirmed in the past that Cybersquatting cases have increased significantly. This would increase the demand for Domain Name and Cyber Squatting Dispute Resolution Services at National and International level.

It would now be more difficult for Companies to protect their Brands. With an increased numbers of GTLDs, Brand Owners would be required to register, monitor and enforce their Trademarks across the Globe. International Institutions and Organisations like ICANN, WIPO, etc would require “Additional Experts” to resolves these Disputes.

Further, the introduction of large numbers of new GTLDs will also bring additional complexities and costs, raise additional Cyber Security Challenges for Organisations seeking to secure their online presence, maintain the integrity of their brands, and enhance their consumers’ online experience. The growing cyber attacks upon International Companies and Organisations like Gmail, Citicorp, etc proves this point. This is the reason why ICANN and INTERPOL are exploring methods to enhance Internet Security.

Right now, it would cost $185,000 US to apply, and Individuals or Organisations will have to show a “Legitimate Claim” to the name they are buying. This would significantly increase the workload of ICANN as “Claims” have to be “Formally Adjudicated” before being approved by ICANN.

Meanwhile, Companies, Brand holders and Trademark holders must start strengthening their in house legal capabilities or hire services of good law firms to meet the possible challenges that the new GTLDs would unleash. Failure to do so will put at risk their Brands and Trademarks and put at risk the trust, goodwill, and secure relationships with their consumers that these businesses have worked so hard to achieve.