Public Comment

Public Comment is a vital part of our multistakeholder model. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to have their opinions and recommendations formally and publicly documented. It is an opportunity for the ICANN community to effect change and improve policies and operations.

Trademark Clearinghouse Documents

Comment/Reply Periods (*) Important Information Links
Comment Open: 24 September 2012
Comment Close: 15 October 2012
Close Time (UTC): 23:59 UTC Public Comment Announcement
Reply Open: 16 October 2012 To Submit Your Comments (Forum Closed)
Reply Close: 7 November 2012 View Comments Submitted
Close Time (UTC): 23:59 UTC Report of Public Comments
Brief Overview
Originating Organization: ICANN Staff
Categories/Tags: Top-Level Domains
Purpose (Brief):

The Trademark Clearinghouse facilitates the protection of trademark rights during the initial allocation and registration periods for domain names in new generic top level domains (new gTLDs). Starting with the first round expected to be coming online late in 2013, all new gTLD registries will be required to use Clearinghouse data to ensure that a set of mandatory trademark rights protection mechanisms are applied to all new domain registrations occurring in at least the first 90 days of domain registration.

The documents for comment present the development work done on these Clearinghouse procedures and are now provided for community review and comment. Two explanatory memoranda are posted for a 45-day public comment period:

  1. Implementing Matching Rules [PDF, 194 KB]
  2. Implementing Proof of Use Verification [PDF, 176 KB]
Current Status: These memos provide Trademark Clearinghouse implementation details as currently developed.
Next Steps: Comments will be summarized and analyzed, and revisions to the relevant procedures may be considered based on the feedback received.
Staff Contact: Karen Lentz Email: karen.lentz@icann.org
Detailed Information
Section I: Description, Explanation, and Purpose

The Trademark Clearinghouse facilitates the protection of trademark rights during the initial allocation and registration periods for domain names in new generic top level domains (new gTLDs). Starting with the first round expected to be coming online late in 2013, all new gTLD registries will be required to use Clearinghouse data to ensure that a set of mandatory trademark rights protection mechanisms are applied to all new domain registrations occurring in at least the first 90 days of domain registration.

The documents for comment describe the development work done on Clearinghouse procedures and are now provided for community review and comment.
Two explanatory memoranda are posted for a 45-day public comment period:

  1. Implementing Matching Rules [PDF, 194 KB]
  2. Implementing Proof of Use Verification [PDF, 176 KB]
Section II: Background

With the launch of the New generic Top-Level Domain (New gTLD) Program, Internet users will see many new gTLDs enter the domain name system. Operators of new gTLDs will be responsible for implementing certain rights protection mechanisms, supported by the Trademark Clearinghouse.

The Trademark Clearinghouse is one of several important enhanced rights protection mechanisms that have been built into the new gTLD program. The Trademark Clearinghouse will accept and authenticate rights information, and will support both trademark claims and sunrise services, required in all new gTLDs. The Clearinghouse is expected to play an important role in the launch of the New gTLD Program and in ensuring ongoing protection of trademark rights.

Section III: Document and Resource Links
http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/trademark-clearinghouse
Section IV: Additional Information
 

(*) Comments submitted after the posted Close Date/Time are not guaranteed to be considered in any final summary, analysis, reporting, or decision-making that takes place once this period lapses.