[gtld-council] Outcome of discussion on differentiation of gTLD strings in the Amsterdam

["Bruce Tonkin" <Bruce.Tonkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,

Below is the outcome of the discussion yesterday in Amsterdam regarding
strings that are confusingly similar.


(a) That the gTLD string should not be confusingly similar to an
existing gTLD string.  Confusingly similar means there is a likelihood
of confusion on the part of the relevant public.   A public comment
process should be used to assist ICANN staff in making this
determination.

 e.g A new gTLD proposal should avoid names that have the potential to
confuse net users because they are typographically similar to, variants
of, or derived words from, existing gTLDs.   

(b) A dispute resolution process using independent arbitrators where
existing registry operators could challenge a decision made by ICANN
staff regarding whether or not a new gTLD string is confusingly similar
to an existing gTLD string.

(c) If a string is successfully challenged as being misleadingly
similar, then no operator may subsequently register it.

Regards,
Bruce Tonkin