We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Learn more here.Close Me
An eagerly awaited list of applications for new generic
top-level domains (gTLDs) was recently revealed, disclosing 1930 applications for a wide variety of
potential new gTLDs. These ranged from multiple applications for
expected gTLDs such as .app and .shop, to more unexpected gTLDs
such as .sucks and .webcam.
The number of applications is particularly surprising given the
USD 185,000 fee per application. Indeed, it appears over USD 350
million was spent on application fees by applicants, including USD
18.6 million for 101 gTLDs by Google and USD 56.8 million for 307
gTLDs by Donuts, a
venture capital and private equity backed start-up.
Now that the applications have been published, the public has
approximately seven months to object on four separate bases:
An applied for gTLD string is confusingly similar to an
existing top-level domain (TLD) or another applied for gTLD.
An applied for gTLD infringes the existing legal rights of the
objector.
The applied-for gTLD string is contrary to generally accepted
legal norms of morality and public order that are recognized under
principles of international law.
There is substantial opposition to the gTLD application from a
significant portion of the community to which the gTLD string may
be targeted.
For most organizations, the second basis will be the most
relevant and organizations should consider promptly reviewing (or
instructing external counsel to review) the list of applications to
identify potentially problematic applications. This is particularly
relevant for organizations that may be already aware of concurrent
use of the same trade-mark or trade-name by businesses in different
industries.
The window for objecting has not yet been finalized, but
it's currently anticipated "to be seven months
[long], from approximately June 13 to January 13, 2013."
Key Takeaway
Organizations should promptly review the list of applied-for new
gTLDs to assess whether an objection to an application is
warranted.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
To print this article, all you need is to be registered on Mondaq.com.
Click to Login as an existing user or Register so you can print this article.
In September 2011, the British Columbia Supreme Court delivered its decision in Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership v. Rogers Communications Inc. [doing business as Zoocasa Inc.], 2011 BCSC 1196 (Zoocasa).
In this class action the plaintiff claimed that the defendant bank had contravened s. 347 of the Criminal Code (charging or receiving interest at a criminal rate) by charging in excess of 60% interest on credit card cash advances.
Gowlings Records Management group offers services permitting the importation of digitized documents into litigation support software so records can be viewed and analyzed by counsel and client from virtually anywhere.
