[AfrICANN-discuss] Applicant Guidebook: Public Comments Analysis and Revised Excerpts

[Anne-Rachel Inné]

News Alert
http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-31may09-en.htm
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Applicant Guidebook: Public Comments Analysis and Revised Excerpts
31 May 2009
Important Links
•	Analysis of Public Comment to Applicant Guidebook version 2 [PDF, 1,555K]
•	Amended Guidebook Sections and Explanatory Memoranda
The second version of the Applicant Guidebook for new generic
top-level domains (gTLDs) generated continued public interest, as
expressed by over 200 comments received.
A comprehensive report [PDF, 1,555K] is being released today; comments
are organised by topic and each are followed by analysis describing
how the issues raised in the commentary can be reflected in the
Guidebook. (A similar report [PDF, 588K] for the first version of the
guidebook was posted in February 2009).
This analysis, the additional excerpts and explanatory memos allow
people to see how their comments will affect the next version of the
guidebook
The Highlights in this Round
Many changes have been made as a result of the comments so far
received. Discussions relating to the overarching issues will
continue, and other subject areas have been revised and are being
posted today as guidebook excerpts for public comments.
One of the more significant is the recommendation that the proposed
registry agreement for new gTLDs be modified to reflect a requirement
that all registries offer "Thick" Whois service. Providing Whois
service is a central obligation of gTLD registries and registrars
under contract with ICANN. Many comments to the proposed registry
agreement seek to mandate thick Whois for all new registries
suggesting substantial benefits will result, including enhanced
accessibility and enhanced stability.
Other revisions include proposed clarifications to: handling of
geographical names, evaluation questions, comparative evaluation
scoring, dispute resolution procedures and other registry agreement
provisions.
More Discussion and More Comment
These revisions along with all the others in this round will also be
discussed at the ICANN meeting in Sydney starting June 21, 2009. The
excerpts and analysis are supported by four explanatory memoranda.
The public comment period for the guidebook excerpts released today
will be open until 20 July 2009. There are four overarching issues:,
•	Trademark Protection
•	The Economic Analysis of new gTLDs
•	Financial Analysis
•	Objection Process
The comments received to the material released today, together with
the outcomes of the discussions relating to the overarching issues
will constitute the basis for the third version of the guidebook that
will be published at the end of the third quarter 2009.
Other New gTLD Program Updates
ICANN continues to balance the need to progress with the new gTLD
program with community concerns on specific aspects. With that in
mind, the program is expected to launch (i.e., applications will be
accepted) in the first quarter of 2010, but we will not open the
process until concerns about the overarching issues have been
addressed.
Between June and August 2009, ICANN will hold several public
discussions designed to arrive at solutions to the overarching issues
(focusing on Trademark Protection and Potential for Abusive Conduct)
that were identified in the first version of the guidebook. These
consultations will start in Sydney during the ICANN Meeting, followed
by events in London on New York on 13 July, and London on 15 July.
Outreach sessions in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi to discuss the topics are
also being arranged. Additional locations are still under
consideration. More information about these events as well as
pre-registrations will be announced shortly.
Please continue checking the New gTLD program webpage for updates.
Related links
Public comment summary and analysis (pdf):
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may09-en.pdf
Revised excerpts:
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm#matrix
Public comment period for excerpts:
http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/#dag-revised-excerpts
New gTLD program webpage
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm
Public comment summary and analysis for guidebook's first version (pdf):
http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv1-analysis-public-comments-18feb09-en.pdf