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|category =[[:Category:Commerce New gTLDs|Commerce]]
|category =[[:Category:Commerce New gTLDs|Commerce]]
|community  =
|community  =
|priority = 805 - [[Donuts]] (Over Keep, LLC)<br>1161 - [[Amazon]]<br>1468 - [[Uniregistry]], Corp.<br>1802 - [[Google]] ([[Charleston Road Registry Inc.]])
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==Applicants==
==Applicants==
# [[Amazon]]- The company applied for the TLD through its office in Luxembourg and partnered with Neustar to provide back-end registry services. Its goal is to use the .free domain name space as dedicated platform for Amazon to promote innovation, provide secure online communication and interaction and to protect its intellectual property rights. <ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1316-21923_FREE.html Application number: 1-1316-21923 for Amazon EU S.à r.l.]</ref>
# [[Amazon]]- The company applied for the TLD through its office in Luxembourg and partnered with [[Neustar]] to provide back-end registry services. Its goal is to use the .free domain name space as dedicated platform for Amazon to promote innovation, provide secure online communication and interaction and to protect its [[Intellectual Property|intellectual property]] rights.<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1316-21923_FREE.html Application number: 1-1316-21923 for Amazon EU S.à r.l.]</ref>
# [[Donuts]] (Over Keep, LLC)- This is one of the 307 domain name strings filed by Donuts, a start-up registry company with $100 million capital. Its investment for new gTLD applications alone is $56 million. Its main objective in applying for the TLD is to provide an online identity and expression for internet users that is currently unavailable. The company partnered with [[Demand Media]] Europe Limited (DMEL) to provide back-end registry services; [[AusRegistry]] Pty Ltd. to provide Domain Name System ([[DNS]]) services and Domain Name Service Security Extensions ([[DNSSEC]]); [[Equinix]] to provide abuse mitigation and prevention consultations; SuperNap for datacenter facilities and infrastructure and [[Iron Mountain]] Intellectual Property Management, Inc. (Iron Mountain) to provide data escrow services. <ref>
# [[Donuts]] (Over Keep, LLC)- This is one of the 307 domain name strings filed by Donuts, a start-up registry company with $100 million in capital. Its investment in new gTLD applications alone was $56 million. Its main objective in applying for the TLD is to provide an online identity and expression for Internet users that is currently unavailable. The company partnered with [[Demand Media]] to provide back-end registry services; [[AusRegistry]] Pty Ltd. to provide Domain Name System ([[DNS]]) services and [[DNSSEC|Domain Name Service Security Extensions]] (DNSSEC); [[Equinix]] and [[SuperNap]] for datacenter facilities and infrastructure; and [[Iron Mountain]] for data escrow services.<ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1465-93738_FREE.html Application number: 1-1465-93738 for Over Keep, LLC]</ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1465-93738_FREE.html Application number: 1-1465-93738 for Over Keep, LLC]</ref> This applicant submitted a [[PIC|Public Interest Commitment]], which can be downloaded [https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/759 here].
# [[Google]] ([[Charleston Road Registry Inc.]])- This is one of the 101 new domain name strings filed by yje search engine giant. Its main objective in applying for the .free TLD is to provide  a dedicated online space for enterprises, small businesses, groups or individuals engaged in marketing and promoting free products, services, events and other activities. The Google Registry platform will be used to ensure the efficiency and security of entire technical registry operations of the TLD. <ref>
# [[Google]] ([[Charleston Road Registry Inc.]])- This is one of the 101 new domain name strings filed by the search engine giant. Its main objective in applying for the .free TLD is to provide  a dedicated online space for enterprises, small businesses, groups or individuals engaged in marketing and promoting free products, services, events and other activities. The Google Registry platform will be used to ensure the efficiency and security of entire technical registry operations of the TLD.<ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1141-1851_FREE.html Application number: 1-1141-1851 for Charleston Road Registry Inc.]</ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1141-1851_FREE.html Application number: 1-1141-1851 for Charleston Road Registry Inc.]</ref>
# [[Top Level Domain Holdings]]- This is one of the 68 new gTLDs filed by the company for its own behalf. Its objective is to provide a dedicated platform for companies, not-for-profit organizations and individuals to share free products and services through the .free domain name space. Its subsidiary company, Minds + Machine will serves as its backe-end registry service provider. <ref>
# [[Uniregistry]], Corp.- This is one of the 54 new gTLDs filed by the company, which was founded by [[domainer]] [[Frank Schilling]]. Its plan is to operate the .free TLD with a flat pricing, fixed renewal cost and without price increase for the first 5 years. Uniregistry partnered with the [[ISC|Internet Systrems Consortium]] (ISC) to serve as its back-end registry service provider.<ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1039-66889_FREE.html Application number: 1-1039-66889 for Top Level Domain Holdings Limited]</ref>
# [[Uniregistry]], Corp.- This is one of the 54 new gTLDs filed by the company. Its plan is to operate the .free TLD with a flat pricing, fixed renewal cost and without price increase for the first 5 years if approved by ICANN. Uniregistry partnered with the Internet Systrems Consortium ([[ISC]]) to serve as its back-end registry service provider. <ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-845-38175_FREE.html Application number: 1-845-38175 for Uniregistry, Corp.]</ref>
[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-845-38175_FREE.html Application number: 1-845-38175 for Uniregistry, Corp.]</ref>


==dotFree Group Initiative==
===Former Applicants===
The [[dotFree Group]] s.r.o., a start-up services provider offering software development, internet and free domain name registration from the Czech Republic is managing and operating the pre-registration of .free domain names. <ref>[http://www.dotfreegroup.com dotfreegroup.com]</ref>
# [[Top Level Domain Holdings]]- This was one of the 68 new gTLDs filed by the company on its own behalf. Its objective was to provide a dedicated platform for companies, not-for-profit organizations and individuals to share free products and services through the .free domain name space. Its subsidiary, [[Minds + Machines]] was to serves as its back-end registry service provider.<ref>[http://news.dot-nxt.com/sites/news.dot-nxt.com/files/1-1039-66889_FREE.html Application number: 1-1039-66889 for Top Level Domain Holdings Limited]</ref> This applicant submitted a [[PIC|Public Interest Commitment]], which can be downloaded [https://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1527 here].


The company had been accepting registrations of .free domain names without cost to all interested companies, individuals and organizations around the world since October, 2010 while awaiting for ICANN's to approval for the delegation of .free TLD in the [[Root Zone|root zone]] of the internet domain name system [[DNS]]. More than 160 thousand registrants have already reserved their desired .free domain names.
.free was '''WITHDRAWN''' by TLDH, along with another 3 TLDs ([[.zulu]], [[.spa]], [[.sale]]), in April 2013.<ref>[http://en.paperblog.com/tldh-withdrawing-4-new-gtld-applications-free-sale-spa-zulu-507788/ TLDh withdrawing 4 new gTLD applications fee sale spa zulu en.PaperBlog.com] Retrieved 9 May 2013</ref>
===European Commission Communiqué===
The [[European Commission]] flagged all applicants for .free outside of ICANN's defined remediation processes.


[[dotFree Group]] s.r.o .main objective for the .free gTLD is to improve the information exchange and interaction among individuals and to promote development and innovation in the Internet community worldwide and to give individuals and companies the opportunity to create their own trademark without spending a cent.  
Just after [[ICANN]]'s [[GAC]] issued its Early Warnings, which are advice given from one GAC member country to an applicant warning it of potential issues within its application, the [[European Commission]] issued a letter to all applicants within the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. The letter highlights 58 applications that "could raise issues of compatibility with the existing legislation .. and/or with policy positions and objectives of the European Union." It notes a desire to open a dialogue with each offending applicant.


===Launch Procedure===
The Commission specifically notes that this objection is not a part of the GAC Early Warning process, and goes on to note that "the Commission does not consider itself legally bound to [ICANN] processes," given that there is not legal agreement between the two bodies.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/docs/20121127093808906.pdf DomainIncite.com/Docs] Published 27 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Dec 2012</ref><ref>[http://domainincite.com/11130-europe-rejects-icanns-authority-as-it-warns-of-problems-with-58-new-gtlds Europe Rejects ICANNs Authority As it Warns of Problems with 58 New gTLDs, DomainIncite.com] Published 27 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Dec 2012</ref>
dotFree Group implements a 4-step procedure to ensure that users will have equal opportunity to claim their desired domain names and to protect their trademarks and [[Intellectual Property|intellectual property]] rights. The launch procedure adheres to the latest industry standards and the [[dotFree Group]] s.r.o makes sure that their procedure is regularly updated to be able to offer the highest quality services to their users. <ref>[http://www.dotfree.com dotfree.com]</ref>


1.'''Preregistration Period'''- The preregistration period is ongoing, however registrants will not be able to claim premium domain names and trademarks. Premium domain names and trademarks will be open for registration during the [[Sunrise Period|Sunrise]] and [[Landrush Period|Landrush]] period. Domains that have been preregistered many times will be resolved and allocated during the Landrush period.  
==Free Registration==
Domainer, blogger, and gTLD consultant, [[Michael Berkens]], noted that the free registration of any domains could be a cause for a great amount of [[cybersquatting]]. Mr. Berkens noted this in a blog post in response to comments that [[ICANN]]'s [[New gTLD Program]] as a whole will create rampant cybersquatting. He argues that this is not the case given the fact that new gTLDs will likely have a higher registration price than current TLDs, and therefore create a more costly entry barrier for cybersquatters. However, he notes that [[Google]] is likely to give away free registrations for at least one of its nearly 100 new TLD applications, and that should it get .free this space could become a clear problem for trademarks and IP rights with regards to cybersquatting and [[typosquatting]].<ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2013/02/14/forbes-new-gtlds-rich-new-territories-for-cybersquatters-why-forbes-is-wrong/ Forbes New gTLDs Rich New Territories for Cybersquatters Why Forbes is Wrong] Published & Retrieved 14 Feb 2013</ref>


2.'''Sunrise Period'''- This is a priority registration period when brand owners are able to register their trademarks to avoid [[cybersquatting]], which is considered a form of internet piracy.<ref>[http://www.citmedialaw.org/sites/citmedialaw.org/files/ACPA%20leg%20history.pdf The Anti Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act]</ref>  
==Name Collision Issues==
During the Sunrise Period, users are certain that their trademark and intellectual property rights are fully protected and .free will include a dispute resolution mechanism on this period.
In October 2013 [[ICANN]] released their final assessment and mitigation plan for the [[Name Collision]] issue that was facing the New gTLD program. On 18 November 2013, ICANN announced the applied-for strings that were eligible for an alternative path towards delegation that would allow applicants to proceed without waiting for further mitigation research and plans to be published. 25 strings, including .free, were not eligible for the alternative path, and will have to wait for more plans to be published before continuing towards delegation.<ref>[https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/announcements-and-media/announcement-2-17nov13-en Announcement 17 Nov 13, ICANN.org] Retrieved 20 Feb 2014</ref>
 
3.'''Landrush Period'''- This follows the Sunrise and it will be open for everybody who preregistered their desired domain. All domains that had been preregistered multiple times by different users will be open for bidding.
 
4.'''General Availability'''- .free domains will be open to the public worldwide and it will be granted on a first come per serve basis through the dotFree registration, an [[ICANN]] accredited websites, and .free domain authorized resellers after the Sunrise and Landrush periods, with an exception for the premium domains.
 
The company did not submit an application to ICANN.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 18:35, 7 May 2024

Status: Proposed
Type: Generic
Category: Commerce
More information:

.free is a proposed new generic top-level domain name to ICANN's New gTLD Program.

Applicants[edit | edit source]

  1. Amazon- The company applied for the TLD through its office in Luxembourg and partnered with Neustar to provide back-end registry services. Its goal is to use the .free domain name space as dedicated platform for Amazon to promote innovation, provide secure online communication and interaction and to protect its intellectual property rights.[1]
  2. Donuts (Over Keep, LLC)- This is one of the 307 domain name strings filed by Donuts, a start-up registry company with $100 million in capital. Its investment in new gTLD applications alone was $56 million. Its main objective in applying for the TLD is to provide an online identity and expression for Internet users that is currently unavailable. The company partnered with Demand Media to provide back-end registry services; AusRegistry Pty Ltd. to provide Domain Name System (DNS) services and Domain Name Service Security Extensions (DNSSEC); Equinix and SuperNap for datacenter facilities and infrastructure; and Iron Mountain for data escrow services.[2] This applicant submitted a Public Interest Commitment, which can be downloaded here.
  3. Google (Charleston Road Registry Inc.)- This is one of the 101 new domain name strings filed by the search engine giant. Its main objective in applying for the .free TLD is to provide a dedicated online space for enterprises, small businesses, groups or individuals engaged in marketing and promoting free products, services, events and other activities. The Google Registry platform will be used to ensure the efficiency and security of entire technical registry operations of the TLD.[3]
  4. Uniregistry, Corp.- This is one of the 54 new gTLDs filed by the company, which was founded by domainer Frank Schilling. Its plan is to operate the .free TLD with a flat pricing, fixed renewal cost and without price increase for the first 5 years. Uniregistry partnered with the Internet Systrems Consortium (ISC) to serve as its back-end registry service provider.[4]

Former Applicants[edit | edit source]

  1. Top Level Domain Holdings- This was one of the 68 new gTLDs filed by the company on its own behalf. Its objective was to provide a dedicated platform for companies, not-for-profit organizations and individuals to share free products and services through the .free domain name space. Its subsidiary, Minds + Machines was to serves as its back-end registry service provider.[5] This applicant submitted a Public Interest Commitment, which can be downloaded here.

.free was WITHDRAWN by TLDH, along with another 3 TLDs (.zulu, .spa, .sale), in April 2013.[6]

European Commission Communiqué[edit | edit source]

The European Commission flagged all applicants for .free outside of ICANN's defined remediation processes.

Just after ICANN's GAC issued its Early Warnings, which are advice given from one GAC member country to an applicant warning it of potential issues within its application, the European Commission issued a letter to all applicants within the new gTLD program. The letter highlights 58 applications that "could raise issues of compatibility with the existing legislation .. and/or with policy positions and objectives of the European Union." It notes a desire to open a dialogue with each offending applicant.

The Commission specifically notes that this objection is not a part of the GAC Early Warning process, and goes on to note that "the Commission does not consider itself legally bound to [ICANN] processes," given that there is not legal agreement between the two bodies.[7][8]

Free Registration[edit | edit source]

Domainer, blogger, and gTLD consultant, Michael Berkens, noted that the free registration of any domains could be a cause for a great amount of cybersquatting. Mr. Berkens noted this in a blog post in response to comments that ICANN's New gTLD Program as a whole will create rampant cybersquatting. He argues that this is not the case given the fact that new gTLDs will likely have a higher registration price than current TLDs, and therefore create a more costly entry barrier for cybersquatters. However, he notes that Google is likely to give away free registrations for at least one of its nearly 100 new TLD applications, and that should it get .free this space could become a clear problem for trademarks and IP rights with regards to cybersquatting and typosquatting.[9]

Name Collision Issues[edit | edit source]

In October 2013 ICANN released their final assessment and mitigation plan for the Name Collision issue that was facing the New gTLD program. On 18 November 2013, ICANN announced the applied-for strings that were eligible for an alternative path towards delegation that would allow applicants to proceed without waiting for further mitigation research and plans to be published. 25 strings, including .free, were not eligible for the alternative path, and will have to wait for more plans to be published before continuing towards delegation.[10]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Application number: 1-1316-21923 for Amazon EU S.à r.l.
  2. ↑ Application number: 1-1465-93738 for Over Keep, LLC
  3. ↑ Application number: 1-1141-1851 for Charleston Road Registry Inc.
  4. ↑ Application number: 1-845-38175 for Uniregistry, Corp.
  5. ↑ Application number: 1-1039-66889 for Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
  6. ↑ TLDh withdrawing 4 new gTLD applications fee sale spa zulu en.PaperBlog.com Retrieved 9 May 2013
  7. ↑ DomainIncite.com/Docs Published 27 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Dec 2012
  8. ↑ Europe Rejects ICANNs Authority As it Warns of Problems with 58 New gTLDs, DomainIncite.com Published 27 Nov 2012, Retrieved 11 Dec 2012
  9. ↑ Forbes New gTLDs Rich New Territories for Cybersquatters Why Forbes is Wrong Published & Retrieved 14 Feb 2013
  10. ↑ Announcement 17 Nov 13, ICANN.org Retrieved 20 Feb 2014


Governmental Advisory Committee. Considers and provides advice on the activities of ICANN as they relate to concerns of governments, particularly matters where there may be an interaction between ICANN's policies and various laws and international agreements or where they may affect public policy issues (ICANN Bylaws).

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