Earlier, I proposed (based on work of others) a solution
to Sunrise Squatters that would have protected genuine trademark holders and Land
Rush pre-registrants -- (see below). Based on what Afilias actually did, it
looks to me like this proposal would have been feasible. Afilias' action does
not seem to protect Land Rush pre-registrants and leaves allocation of most of the
good non-trademarked names to a yet-to-be-determined process several months from
now. In my view, this is sad and will not have good results. I would
guess that the amount that Land Rush pre-registrants have spent would be over seven
digits in magnitude. Afilias, please reconsider. What will you say to Land
Rush pre-registrants? This is very sad.----------------------------------------
"PROPOSAL
A*": (REVISED 8/14/01, 5:30 pm): Here is a proposal that should make everyone
happy except Sunrise Squatters. a.1: Run the Land Rush for all names, including those
registered in the Sunrise Period. a.2: For names not registered in the Sunrise Period,
the Land Rush winner gets the name as originally planned. a.3: For names registered
in the Sunrise Period, the Land Rush winner does not get the name, but does get the
chance to submit a Sunrise Challenge for that name after the 120 day Sunrise Challenge
period is over (after all other challenges are done) for free or a minimal fee ($0-$40?).
If the Sunrise registrant can not prove that he/she has a valid trademark in accordance
with the Sunrise Period rules, then the Land Rush winner gets the name without the
need to show a trademark for the name
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