Changes

'''.ECO®,''' founded in 2008 by two [https://www.prweb.com/releases/the_united_states_approves_eco/prweb17627572.htm ecopreneurs], is the registered trademark brand owned and operated by [https://www.planetdoteco.com planet .ECO LLC].  .ECO® [https://massachusettsnewswire.com/eco-brand-domain-extension-unites-those-committed-to-fighting-climate-change-49708/ affirms that Environmental Justice is Social Justice] and Unites Those Committed to Fighting Climate Change.  

'''.eco''' is a generic [[TLD|top level domain]] for use by "any business, government, non-profit or individual working toward a sustainable future."<ref>[http://go.eco Go.eco]</ref>. The TLD is operated by [[Big Room Inc.]] a certified [[B Corporation]].

==Activation Requirements==

 

The .eco TLD has established baseline requirements for those who wish to register .eco domain names. Applicants for .eco domains must establish a profile with the registry, identify the "areas of sustainability" that the applicant is focused on, and "pledge to support positive change for the planet and to be honest when sharing information on environmental actions."<ref name="activation">[https://support.go.eco/en/articles/578589-what-questions-do-i-need-to-answer-in-my-eco-profile Go.eco - What questions do I need to answer in my .eco profile?</ref>

====== Search for and register .eco domains now at: http://www.ECOdomains.org ======

For more than a decade .eco has been working with the internet and environmental communities to build .eco – an online home for businesses, non-profits and individuals working for an environmentally and socially sustainable world. More than 50 organizations support the .eco [[TLD]]. Founded by two environmentalists, .eco is backed by organizations including Conservation International, United Nations Global Compact, NRDC, Greenpeace and World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

 

Based in Vancouver, Canada, .eco is operated by [[Big Room Inc.]] a certified [[B Corporation]].

== Launch ==  

== Launch ==  

In September 2016, Big Room announced that it would be granting up to 500 domains to the environmental community. The grants would form a permanent reserved list of domains only accessible to environmental non-profits.   

In September 2016, Big Room announced that it would be granting up to 500 domains to the environmental community. The grants would form a permanent reserved list of domains only accessible to environmental non-profits.   

Over 350 organizations from 50 countries expressed their views on what names should be reserved for community use. This was the first ever program of this kind.  

Over 350 organizations from 50 countries expressed their views on what names should be reserved for community use.  

==Contention History==

==Application History & Controversies==

=== Original Applicants ===

=== Original Applicants ===

2. [[Donuts]] (Little Birch, LLC) - one of 307 gTLD applications submitted by the company. This applicant submitted a [[PIC|Public Interest Commitment]], which can be downloaded [https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/790 here].

2. [[Donuts]] (Little Birch, LLC) - one of 307 gTLD applications submitted by the company. This applicant submitted a [[PIC|Public Interest Commitment]], which can be downloaded [https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/790 here].

3. [[planet.ECO LLC]] - A US-based Small Disadvantaged Business, ([http://www.sba.gov/content/disadvantaged-businesses SBA-SDB)], and exclusive owner of the only US-based .ECO® trademark.<ref>[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=3716170&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch .ECO U.S. Trademark, Registrant planet.ECO LLC. Retrieved 03 Nov 2015.]</ref>

3. [[planet.ECO LLC]]  

4. [[Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd.]] (TLDH) - one of 68 gTLD applications submitted by the company. This applicant submitted a [[PIC|Public Interest Commitment]], which can be downloaded [https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1523 here].

4. [[Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd.]] (TLDH) - one of 68 gTLD applications submitted by the company. This applicant submitted a [[PIC|Public Interest Commitment]], which can be downloaded [https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1523 here].

===Contention===

===Application History===

.eco was one of the most publicly contested gTLD applications. By early 2009 [[Big Room Inc.]] and Dot Eco LLC had declared their intent to apply for .eco<ref>http://blogs.ft.com/tech-blog/2009/06/a-eco-echo-in-green-domain-bid/</ref>. Dot Eco LLC was endorsed by Al Gore, the Alliance for Climate Protection, the Sierra Club and Surfrider Foundation, but eventually chose not to seek community status<ref>https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1523</ref>. Big Room Inc. was initially endorsed by Green Cross International and WWF International.   

.eco was one of the most publicly contested gTLD applications. By early 2009 [[Big Room Inc.]] and Dot Eco LLC had declared their intent to apply for .eco<ref>http://blogs.ft.com/tech-blog/2009/06/a-eco-echo-in-green-domain-bid/</ref>. Dot Eco LLC was endorsed by Al Gore, the Alliance for Climate Protection, the Sierra Club and Surfrider Foundation, but eventually chose not to seek community status<ref>https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1523</ref>. Big Room Inc. was initially endorsed by Green Cross International and WWF International.   

In the interim, Big Room's proposal had gathered the support of more than 50 of the world's leading environmental organizations, including UN Environment, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, WWF, Greenpeace, and many others<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/26/battle-dot-eco-domain-name-internet-green-groups</ref>. These groups had collaborated independently on developing a unified vision for how .eco could support the interests of the community<ref>https://dotecocouncil.org/history/</ref>. This vision formed the backbone of the community section of Big Room's .eco application.

In the interim, Big Room's proposal had gathered the support of more than 50 of the world's leading environmental organizations, including UN Environment, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, WWF, Greenpeace, and many others<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jun/26/battle-dot-eco-domain-name-internet-green-groups</ref>. These groups had collaborated independently on developing a unified vision for how .eco could support the interests of the community<ref>https://dotecocouncil.org/history/</ref>. This vision formed the backbone of the community section of Big Room's .eco application.

In 2012 it was revealed that four companies applied for .eco - Big Room, Donuts, Planet.eco and TLDH. Of these, only Big Room sought community designation. All applicants passed initial financial, technical and operational evaluation, except for Planet.eco, which failed, scoring 1/12 points<ref>https://newgtlds.icann.org/sites/default/files/ier/pt42qvwk2iuro7ami3jgke2i/ie-1-1710-92415-en.pdf

In 2012 it was revealed that four companies applied for .eco - Big Room, Donuts, Planet.eco and TLDH. Of these, only Big Room sought community designation. All applicants passed initial financial, technical and operational evaluation, except for Planet.eco, which failed, scoring 1/12 points<ref>https://newgtlds.icann.org/sites/default/files/ier/pt42qvwk2iuro7ami3jgke2i/ie-1-1710-92415-en.pdf</ref>. Planet.eco then sought extended evaluation, which it passed.<ref>https://newgtlds.icann.org/sites/default/files/eer/gl3khaf7ucheu7ro4hieth0e/ee-1-1710-92415-en.pdf</ref> Planet.eco then filed a limited rights objection against TLDH, which failed. Big Room Inc. then elected to undertake community priority evaluation, which it passed.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/09/dot-eco-domain-name-environmentalists-icann-control</ref>   

</ref>. Planet.eco then sought extended evaluation, which it passed<ref>https://newgtlds.icann.org/sites/default/files/eer/gl3khaf7ucheu7ro4hieth0e/ee-1-1710-92415-en.pdf</ref>. Planet.eco then filed a limited rights objection against TLDH, which failed. Big Room Inc. then elected to undertake community priority evaluation, which it passed.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/09/dot-eco-domain-name-environmentalists-icann-control</ref>   

Donuts and TLDH then filed a reconsideration request to the ICANN Board, attempting to reverse this decision. The Board rejected the request. The rejection was then appealed to an independent panel, which also rejected the attempt. No applicant contested the ICANN Board's adoption of the panel's decision.   

Donuts and TLDH then filed a reconsideration request to the ICANN Board, attempting to reverse this decision. The Board rejected the request. The rejection was then appealed to an independent panel, which also rejected the attempt. No applicant contested the ICANN Board's adoption of the panel's decision.   

=== planet .ECO Trademark Litigation ===

=== planet .ECO Trademark Litigation ===

Separate to the .eco application contention, planet .ECO filed a trademark infringement case against Big Room Inc. and Dot Eco LLC on March 2, 2012 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Southern California. The complainant asked the court to order Big Room and Dot Eco LLC to stop infringing on their mark and force plaintiffs to withdraw their .eco gTLD applications. Dot Eco LLC responded to the complaint with an argument that the trademark was obtained illegally by Planet.ECO and that it should therefore be cancelled by the court. Big Room filed a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. That motion was granted. planet .ECO subsequently withdrew the case against Dot Eco LLC.  

Separate to the .eco application, Planet.ECO filed a trademark infringement case against Big Room Inc. and Dot Eco LLC on March 2, 2012 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Southern California. The complainant asked the court to order Big Room and Dot Eco LLC to stop infringing on their mark and force plaintiffs to withdraw their .eco gTLD applications. Dot Eco LLC responded to the complaint with an argument that the trademark was obtained illegally by Planet.ECO and that it should therefore be cancelled by the court. Big Room filed a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. That motion was granted. Planet .ECO subsequently withdrew the case against Dot Eco LLC.  

Subsequent to this litigation, five cancellation actions have been commenced against planet .ECO's .ECO mark. All were dismissed without prejudice.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92051924&pty=CAN&eno=21 USPTO Cancellation number 92051924]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92055469&pty=CAN&eno=11 USPTO Cancellation number 92055469]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92055197&pty=CAN&eno=13 USPTO Cancellation number 92055197]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92060403&pty=CAN&eno=12 USPTO Cancellation number 92060403]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92060403&pty=CAN&eno=18 USPTO Cancellation number 92060403]</ref>

Subsequent to this litigation, five cancellation actions have been commenced against planet .ECO's .ECO mark. All were dismissed without prejudice.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92051924&pty=CAN&eno=21 USPTO Cancellation number 92051924]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92055469&pty=CAN&eno=11 USPTO Cancellation number 92055469]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92055197&pty=CAN&eno=13 USPTO Cancellation number 92055197]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92060403&pty=CAN&eno=12 USPTO Cancellation number 92060403]</ref><ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=92060403&pty=CAN&eno=18 USPTO Cancellation number 92060403]</ref>

===Big Room Inc. Community Priority Evaluation ===

===Big Room Inc. Community Priority Evaluation ===

On 6 October 2014 the Economist Intelligence Unit, ICANN's community priority evaluator, awarded Big Room Inc.'s .eco application priority<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/09/dot-eco-domain-name-environmentalists-icann-control</ref>, [https://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/tlds/eco/eco-cpe-1-912-59314-en.pdf scoring the application 14/16 points]. In its evaluation the evaluation panel noted:  

On 6 October 2014 the Economist Intelligence Unit, ICANN's community priority evaluator, awarded Big Room Inc.'s .eco application community priority.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/09/dot-eco-domain-name-environmentalists-icann-control</ref><ref name="priority">[https://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/tlds/eco/eco-cpe-1-912-59314-en.pdf Community Priority Evaluation Report - .eco], October 6, 2014</ref> In its evaluation, the panel noted:  

 

<blockquote>Many of the major catalysts of the modern environmental movement have continued or worsened in recent years, and the organizations founded with missions of environmental advocacy have redoubled their efforts. The number and breadth of environmental laws and protocols will continue to grow. The effects of climate change are especially long-term and many of the organizations in the application’s delineated community advocate for long-term solutions and measures that they have committed to seeing through. The Panel has therefore determined that the community as defined in the application demonstrates longevity. The pursuits of the .ECO community are of a lasting, non-transient nature. <br />

Many of the major catalysts of the modern environmental movement have continued or worsened in recent years, and the organizations founded with missions of environmental advocacy have redoubled their efforts. The number and breadth of environmental laws and protocols will continue to grow.  

In addition, as mentioned previously, the community as defined in the application has awareness and recognition of a community among its members. This is because the community is defined in terms of its association with, and active participation in, environmental activities. Its members are actively committed to environmental causes, such as sustainable use of the environment and environmental conservation and preservation.<ref name="priority" /></blockquote>

 

The effects of climate change are especially long-term and many of the organizations in the application’s delineated community advocate for long-term solutions and measures that they have committed to seeing through. The Panel has therefore determined that the community as defined in the application demonstrates longevity.  

 

The pursuits of the .ECO community are of a lasting, non-transient nature. In addition, as mentioned previously, the community as defined in the application has awareness and recognition of a community among its members. This is because the community is defined in terms of its association with, and active participation in, environmental activities.  

 

Its members are actively committed to environmental causes, such as sustainable use of the environment and environmental conservation and preservation. 

=== Donuts and TLDH use of ICANN Accountability Mechanisms ===

=== Donuts and TLDH use of ICANN Accountability Mechanisms ===

=== Delegation to Big Room Inc. ===

=== Delegation to Big Room Inc. ===

The .eco gTLD was delegated by IANA on August 29th, 2016 with [[Big Room Inc.]] as the [[Sponsoring Organization]].<ref>[https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/eco.html IANA Delegation Record]</ref><ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/agreement/eco-2016-07-08-en Registry Agreement - Big Room Inc. & ICANN]</ref>  

The .eco gTLD was delegated by IANA on August 29th, 2016 with [[Big Room Inc.]] as the [[Sponsoring Organization]].<ref>[https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/eco.html IANA Delegation Record]</ref><ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/agreement/eco-2016-07-08-en Registry Agreement - Big Room Inc. & ICANN]</ref>

==References==

==References==