[bc-gnso] Applicant Guidebook: Public Comments Analysis and Revised Excerpts

["BC Secretariat" <secretariat@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Applicant Guidebook: Public Comments Analysis and Revised Excerpts

31 May 2009

Analysis of Public Comment to Applicant Guidebook version 2 [PDF, 1,555K]
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may09-en.pdf
Amended Guidebook Sections and Explanatory Memoranda
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm#matrix

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.

A comprehensive report [PDF, 1,555K]
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may09-en.pdf
is being released today; comments are organised by topic and each are 
followed by analysis describing how the issues raised in the commentary can 
be reflected in the Guidebook. (A similar report [PDF, 588K] for the first 
version of the guidebook was posted in February 2009).
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv1-analysis-public-comments-18feb09-en.pdf

This analysis, the additional excerpts and explanatory memos allow people to 
see how their comments will affect the next version of the guidebook

The Highlights in this Round

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 today as guidebook 
excerpts for public comments.
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm

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.

More Discussion and More Comment

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 today will be 
open until 20 July 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 today, 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.

Other New gTLD Program Updates

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.

Between June and August 2009, ICANN will hold several public discussions 
designed to arrive at solutions to the overarching issues (focusing on 
Trademark Protection and Potential for Abusive Conduct) that were identified 
in the first version of the guidebook. These consultations will start in 
Sydney during the ICANN Meeting, followed by events in London on New York on 
13 July, and London on 15 July. Outreach sessions in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi 
to discuss the topics are also being arranged. Additional locations are 
still under consideration. More information about these events as well as 
pre-registrations will be announced shortly.

Please continue checking the New gTLD program webpage for updates.

Related links

Public comment summary and analysis (pdf):
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may09-en.pdf

Revised excerpts:
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm#matrix

Public comment period for excerpts:
http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/#dag-revised-excerpts

New gTLD program webpage
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm

Public comment summary and analysis for guidebook's first version (pdf):
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv1-analysis-public-comments-18feb09-en.pdf