New gTLDs discussed at INTA Annual Meeting

Sarah Deutsch of Verizon Communications said she has seen “lots of cybersquatting” rather than “lots of innovation” in new gTLDs, but also warned that brand owners are likely missing lots of cybersquatting, especially in internationalized domain names (IDNs).

Vicki Folens of Deloitte, which runs the TMCH, said that ongoing notifications have been added as a free service, but said that trademark holders have to opt-in. She added that TMCH renewals will start on November 5 this year, and revealed that there are plans to accept mixed script trademarks from the end of May.

Moderator Kristina Rosette of Covington & Burling provided some pointers on bringing URS cases, noting that the evidence standard is high, but that you can amend evidence once submitted. She also encouraged trademark owners to participate in the upcoming reviews of the new gTLD program and the UDRP: “It’s important to have data—how did you participate? How much did you spend?”

Members of the Brand Registry Group will lead you through all of the changes of the past year and all of the changes which are ahead for .brand applicants and for potential Round 2 .brand applicants in a unique session tomorrow.

In an earlier session, the ICANN Intellectual Property Constituency will hold an open meeting to discuss trademark and copyright issues as they pertain to ICANN’s coordination of the Domain Name System.

Meet the Intellectual Property Constituency at 10:30 and the Brand Registry Group at 1:00 pm on Wednesday May 14 in Room N101A.