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Guidebook and Public Comment Forum

ICANN is pleased to publish the Proposed Final New gTLD Applicant Guidebook that describes the process of applying for new generic top-level domains. The Guidebook was released today along with explanatory memoranda and detailed analysis of comments received on version 4 of the Applicant Guidebook. This Proposed Final version of the Guidebook is the result of a tremendous amount of participation and thoughtful feedback from the ICANN stakeholder community. Their contribution is evidenced through the product of several working groups - bringing key issues to resolution.

During the 10 December Board Meeting in Cartagena the ICANN Board will take into account this work and comments received to make a decision regarding the timing of the launch of the New gTLD Program. The Board can approve the Guidebook or direct that changes be made.

Upon approval of the final version of the Guidebook, a four-month global communications campaign will be undertaken. The aim of this campaign is to ensure potential participants in all regions of the world are aware of program details and how to apply.

The Proposed Final Applicant Guidebook – What changed from version 4?

Module 1

• Eliminated most restrictions on Registrar cross-ownership – based on recent Board decision – see http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-09nov10-en.htm
• Added information on application batching, delegation rates, dependencies for root scaling
• Refocused background screening criteria only on business, criminal background, and cybersquatting
• Added placeholder for outcomes on Applicant Support Working Group – see this Working Group milestone report here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-11nov10-en.htm

Module 2

• Updated string requirements section per anticipated RFC 1123 revisions, which addresses the use of numbers in TLDs
• Added UNESCO list as reference for continent/region names

Module 3

• Incorporated Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) into Legal Rights Objection
• Eliminated the complete defense to Community Objections in favor of elevated standard for successful objection
• Included several recommendations from the "Rec 6 Working Group" dealing with the morality and public order objection

Module 4 – no significant changes

Module 5

• Added explanation of ICANN Board’s role in the new gTLD process in accordance with Board Resolution 2.7 – Sept 26 2010 See: http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/resolutions-25sep10-en.htm#2.7

Other Documents to be finalized and posted soon include:

• The Economic Analysis of program costs and benefits

We continue to incorporate work done by cross stakeholder working groups in the areas of: morality and public order objections; and recommendations suggested by the Applicant Support Working Group.

Upcoming Program Events

During the December ICANN Meeting in Cartagena, Colombia there will be several program sessions, including:

• New gTLD Program Status Update
• New gTLD Basics – in Spanish and English
• Developing Economies and the New gTLD Program
• Sessions with updates on "overarching issues" including: Economic Analysis; Trademark Protections, Mitigation of Malicious Conduct; and Root Zone Scaling

For final schedule and remote participation access information see: http://cartagena39.icann.org/sched-overview