We’ve posted about “closed generics” a few times in the past.
What are they?
Basically they’re applications for new tlds that have two characteristics:
- the string (the bit on the right of the dot) is very generic
- the applicant has stated that they don’t plan on allowing the public to register domains using the extension
So while Microsoft could be free to control .microsoft as they wanted and nobody would mind. However it’s a very different matter if .blog domain names can only be used by users of Google’s Blogger. So you wouldn’t be able to use .blog domains freely. So much for innovation!
Here’s our latest release on the subject and if you have any questions, queries or comments please let us know via the comments
Blacknight Urges ICANN to Reconsider “Closed Generic” TLDs
Leading Irish Registrar Urges the Internet Community to participate in public comment period.February 18, 2013 – Carlow, Ireland – Leading Irish registrar and hosting company Blacknight urge the Online community to take part in ICANN’s public comment period concerning “Closed Generic” TLD Applications.
ICANN (International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has opened a public comment period to allow the Internet community to weigh in on whether single entities may seek to operate non-trademarked generic word TLDs (domain extensions) in a “closed” (not open to the public for registration) manner. The comment period, which opened on February 5, will remain open until March 7, 2013.
Blacknight (http://www.blacknight.com/) have been leading the community in actively seeking clarification on pending gTLD applications for broad term extensions like .blog, .music and .cloud, TLDs that would be severely restricted if monopolised by single entities that intend to use the terms solely to market their own products.
Michele Neylon of Blacknight states: “As longtime members of the ICANN community, we feel strongly on this issue and aim to raise community awareness of the effects of “Closed Generic” TLDs. We believe in an open and “free” Internet and the idea of a small group of companies effectively monopolising terms that belong to all people just seems wrong.”
Blacknight has expressed discontent with the possibility of closed non-trademarked key-word extensions through multiple letters to ICANN. The letters encourage ICANN to consider the adoption of a process in which applicants who wish to operate a closed TLD, meet certain, transparent criteria.
According to Icann.org: “ICANN is seeking public comment on the subject of ‘closed generic’ gTLD applications and whether specific requirements should be adopted corresponding to this type of application. Stakeholder views are invited to help define and consider the issue. In particular, comments would be helpful in regard to proposed objective criteria for: classifying certain applications as “closed generic” TLDs, i.e., how to determine whether a string is generic, and determining the circumstances under which a particular TLD operator should be permitted to adopt “open” or “closed” registration policies.”
Neylon continues: “We strongly urge the online community to take advantage of this public comment period. Allowing companies that have no trademark claims to generic, key-terms such as ‘blog’, ‘beauty’ or ‘music’ is tantamount to granting them ownership of those words. This behaviour negates the purpose of creating a richer, more diverse Internet space. This is a slap in the face to those of us who worked so hard to help bring new TLDs into being.”
The public comment period for “Closed Generic” TLD Applications is currently active and will remain open until March 7, 2013.
To submit a comment, please visit http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/closed-generic-05feb13-en.htm
To read the previous letters from Blacknight to ICANN concerning “Closed Generic” TLD Applications please visit:
For more information on Blacknight’s services, please visit http://www.blacknight.com
About Blacknight:
Blacknight are an Irish based, ICANN accredited domain registrar and hosting company. Recipients of several awards for their revolutionary use of social media, Blacknight are one of Europe’s most cutting edge Internet companies. Blacknight constantly seek to lead the way by introducing innovative solutions for its client base and provide dedicated servers and colocation as well as a comprehensive range of Microsoft Windows and Linux based hosting plans and domain name registration services to business globally.
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