Yvette Miller ⬥ 9 December
As the year draws to a close, 34 new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) – extensions like .BRANDs and .CITIES that will join the likes of .COM and .ORG – have been incorporated into the technical foundation of the Internet. Applicants for .BRANDs have now seen draft contract language that addresses their unique concerns, which means even more gTLDs can see a clearer path towards a launch.
For those interested in learning and discussing the latest developments with the New gTLD Program, the Internet Society Chapter of DC, in conjunction with FairWinds Partners, is hosting a panel discussion about the impact of gTLDs on December 16 from 12 PM – 2 PM at Busboys and Poets on 14th Street in Washington D.C.
The purpose of this panel is to present a rounded view of, raise awareness of, and encourage discussion around gTLDs, specifically the ways in which the addition of the new gTLDs will impact the Internet and Internet users.
Perspectives will be heard from applicants for new gTLDs, non-applicants, root zone operators, ISPs, those involved in Internet governance, and business people invested in aspects of the program. Confirmed panelists are Taylor Frank (VP of Strategy and Development at FairWinds Partners), Dr. Burt Kaliski, Jr. (SVP and CTO, Verisign, Inc.), and Jon Nevett (EVP and Co-Founder of Donuts, Inc.). The panel will be moderated by David McAuley from Bloomberg.
For Your Radar
On Thursday, December 12, the International Trademark Association (INTA) will hold an event on “how to protect a not-so-famous mark from trademark squatters” in Shanghai, China.
December 29: First Sunrise Period Ends (.SHABAKA)
January 24: First Donuts’ Sunrise Periods End
January 2014: ICANN Sends out Notifications of Intent for Auctions (Expected)
March 2014: First ICANN Auctions Begin (Expected)
Public Comment Periods:
December 27: Comment period closes on Whois Misuse
Jan 31: Comment period closes on ICANN’s Draft Vision, Mission & Focus Areas for a Five-Year Strategic Plan
Be sure to stay posted to this site and follow us on Twitter for the latest in the domain name space.