Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse: Difference between revisions

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The '''Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse (CADNA)''' is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting against domain name abuse, particularly [[cybersquatting]], and other illegal cyber activities. The organization is fundamentally supportive of [[ICANN]] and its multi-stakeholder model, but is still critical of some of its decisions and actions, its [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]] in particular.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadna-supports-the-multi-stakeholder-model-of-internet-governance-140886693.html CADNA Supports the MultiStakeholder Model of Internet Governance, PRNewsWire.com]</ref>

The '''Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse (CADNA)''' is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting against domain name abuse, particularly [[cybersquatting]], and other illegal cyber activities.

===~~Background~~===

===History===

[[FairWinds Partners]]' co-Managing Partners, [[Josh Bourne]] and [[Phil Lodico]], together with several brand owners such as [[Dell Inc.]], Nike, Inc. and Marriott International, Inc. established the organization in 2007. CADNA's main objective is to decrease instances of cybersquatting in all its forms. CADNA is also campaigning for policy reforms within [[ICANN]].<ref>[http://www.cadna.org/en/about-cadna/why-cadna-was-founded Why CADNA was Founded]</ref> <ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19980384/#.TuG5YGNjmbM Big Names Team Up to Lobby Against Cyber Fraud]</ref>

===Fairwinds Partners===

==Affiliation with Fairwinds Partners==

The co-founders of FairWinds, Josh Bourne and Phil Lodico, also co-founded ~~the Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse ([[~~CADNA~~]])~~, ~~a non-profit advocay group dedicated~~ in ~~combating domain name abuse by increasing people's awareness and encouraging internet users and stakeholders to take action to be able to stop all illegal internet activities such as~~ [[~~cybersquatting~~]] ~~and trademark infringement. <ref>[http://www.cadna~~.~~org/ CADNA]</ref>~~

The co-founders of FairWinds, Josh Bourne and Phil Lodico, also co-founded CADNA. CADNA and FairWinds Partners have at times seemingly been at odds, given that FairWinds is offering new gTLD consultancy services and CADNA has in the past led an oppositional effort against the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]].

The distinction between their businesses has been criticized, given that FairWinds is offering new gTLD consultancy services and CADNA has been leading an oppositional effort against the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. This line has not always been clear, ~~such as when~~ FairWinds ~~seemingly changed their approach to utilize~~ their CADNA association to highlight that they are able to help brands [[Defensive Registration|defensively submit]] applications for [[gTLD]]s and [[Brand ~~gTLDs~~]]. They explicitly noted that some brands should be choosing to apply for generic strings in an attempt to head-off any moves that their direct competitors may make for the same string; the brand could then choose to opt-out for a 70% refund should it find that its competitors did not apply and it is no longer interested in the string.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/~~cadna~~-hard-sells-defensive-gtld-applications/ CADNA Hard Sells Defensive gTLD Applications, DomainIncite.com]</ref> FairWinds is not the only consultancy service that ~~will likely profit from~~ defensive registration~~, despite the fact that ICANN led an outreach effort to educate brands that defensive registration is not necessary~~. The widespread perception that defensive registration was necessary was seen as a failure on ICANN's part, ~~and it~~ was largely addressed only after the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLd program]] was approved and high level critics, such as Secretary [[Lawrence Strickling]] of the U.S. Government, called on the organization to rectify the situation.<ref>[http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_letter_on_gtld_program_jan_3_2012.pdf NTIA Letter on gTLD Program, NTIA.doc.gov]</ref>

In March 2012, FairWinds utilized their CADNA association to highlight that they are able to help brands [[Defensive Registration|defensively submit]] applications for [[gTLD]]s and [[Brand gTLD]]s. They explicitly noted that some brands should be choosing to apply for generic strings in an attempt to head-off any moves that their direct competitors may make for the same string; the brand could then choose to opt-out for a 70% refund should it find that its competitors did not apply and it is no longer interested in the string.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/8041-fairwinds-hard-sells-defensive-gtld-applications CADNA Hard Sells Defensive gTLD Applications, DomainIncite.com]</ref> FairWinds is not the only consultancy service that offered defensive registration services.The widespread perception that defensive registration was necessary was seen as a failure on ICANN's part, as ICANN originally led an outreach effort to educate brands that defensive registration is not necessary. The issue was largely addressed only after the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLd program]] was approved and high level critics, such as when Secretary [[Lawrence Strickling]] of the U.S. Government, called on the organization to rectify the situation.<ref>[http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_letter_on_gtld_program_jan_3_2012.pdf NTIA Letter on gTLD Program, NTIA.doc.gov]</ref>

==Specific Objectives==

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==ICANN Correspondence & Commentary==

~~The Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse has openly criticized the current~~ ICANN ~~structure~~ and ~~claimed that much of the international Internet governing body's policy~~-~~making processes have~~ been ~~taken over by~~ some of ~~the stakeholders that are profiting from domain names. The organization actively participates in ICANN activities~~, ~~particularly~~ in ~~providing its comments on policy issues related to the interests of businesses and consumers~~.<ref>[http://www.~~cadna~~.~~org~~/en/~~issues~~ CADNA ~~Issues~~]</ref>

CADNA is fundamentally supportive of [[ICANN]] and its multi-stakeholder model, but has been critical of some of its decisions and actions, its [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]] in particular.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadna-supports-the-multi-stakeholder-model-of-internet-governance-140886693.html CADNA Supports the MultiStakeholder Model of Internet Governance, PRNewsWire.com]</ref>

CADNA provided comments on numerous issues discussed by the ICANN community, particularly the latest issue of the implementation of the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD expansion program]], which launched in January, 2012. During the development process of the New gTLD [[Applicant Guidebook]], CADNA was been active in submitting its public comments and recommendations. The organization recommended the following revisions to the Draft Application Guidebook Version 4:<ref>

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In September, 2012, CADNA sent a letter to [[ICANN]], its [[GAC]], and the U.S. [[NTIA|National Telecommunications and Information Administration]] to request that all new, open [[gTLD]] registries are required to implement a Perpetual Block Option or a [[DPML|Domain Protected Marks List]] (DPML). A perpetual block option would allow a given corporation to protect their IP and trademarks through a one-time registration, and was compared by CADNA to the model used by [[ICM Registry]] when launching [[.xxx]]. A DPML would block users from registerting domain names related to trademarks registered with the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]]. CADNA notes that there are about 400 applications for generic terms that do not contain any such IP protection mechanisms, and consequently risk becoming spaces for IP infringement.<ref>[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cadna-supports-increased-rights-protection-mechanisms-for-icanns-new-gtld-program-2012-09-11 CADNA Supports Increased Rights Protection Mechanisms for ICANN's New gTLD Program, MarketWatch.com]</ref>

==Request for Future New gTLD Applications==

===Request for Future New gTLD Applications===

CADNA has been critical of ICANN's New gTLD Program, claiming that its launch is premature and the policy development process that led to the creation of the Program lacked transparency. However, the organization has clarified that is not totally against the introduction of new gTLDs.<ref>[http://www.cadna.org/en/blog?page=2 CADNA Letter to the Editor]</ref> CADNA clarified this position when [[Josh Bourne]], President of CADNA, sent a letter to ICANN President and CEO [[Rod Beckstrom]] asking the Internet governing body to disclose the schedule for future rounds of new gTLD applications. According to Bourne, after hosting a conference entitled "What's at Stake: The Reality of ICANN's New gTLD Program for Brands," participants concluded that CADNA would submit a proposal to the [[ICANN Board]]. In its proposal, CADNA asked that the ICANN Board "request an Issues Report to formally initiate a policy development process to determine when the next round of new gTLD applications will occur, thereby affirming its commitment to opening a second round in a timely manner." Bourne emphasized that CADNA does not object the promotion of innovation and improved competition through the introduction of new gTLDs; however, he said that ICANN has structured this New gTLD Program in such a way that it does not meet that objective. Furthermore, Bourne said that if ICANN would reveal a second round of applications, it might help ease the anxiety felt by businesses and subdue their hostility regarding the upcoming launch of the New gTLD Program, because it will give them the opportunity to prepare more thoroughly and decide if they will benefit from participating in the Program. As is, with the dates of future rounds unknown, many companies feel a sense of market scarcity and feel obliged to rush to apply immediately, before being able to weigh the costs and benefits.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/cadna-asks-for-new-gtlds-second-round/ CADNA asks for new gTLDs second round]</ref><ref>[http://www.cadna.org/sites/default/files/cadna-proposal-to-icann-nov-18-2011.pdf Josh Bourne, CADNA President letter to Rod Beckstrom, ICANN President & CEO]</ref>

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 }}
-The '''Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse (CADNA)''' is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting against domain name abuse, particularly [[cybersquatting]], and other illegal cyber activities. The organization is fundamentally supportive of [[ICANN]] and its multi-stakeholder model, but is still critical of some of its decisions and actions, its [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]] in particular.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadna-supports-the-multi-stakeholder-model-of-internet-governance-140886693.html CADNA Supports the MultiStakeholder Model of Internet Governance, PRNewsWire.com]</ref>
+The '''Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse (CADNA)''' is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting against domain name abuse, particularly [[cybersquatting]], and other illegal cyber activities.
-===Background===
+===History===
 [[FairWinds Partners]]' co-Managing Partners, [[Josh Bourne]] and [[Phil Lodico]], together with several brand owners such as  [[Dell Inc.]], Nike, Inc. and Marriott International, Inc. established the organization in 2007. CADNA's main objective is to decrease instances of cybersquatting in all its forms. CADNA is also campaigning for policy reforms within [[ICANN]].<ref>[http://www.cadna.org/en/about-cadna/why-cadna-was-founded Why CADNA was Founded]</ref> <ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19980384/#.TuG5YGNjmbM Big Names Team Up to Lobby Against Cyber Fraud]</ref>
-===Fairwinds Partners===
+==Affiliation with Fairwinds Partners==
-The co-founders of FairWinds, Josh Bourne and Phil Lodico, also co-founded the Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse ([[CADNA]]), a non-profit advocay group dedicated in combating domain name abuse by increasing people's awareness and encouraging internet users and stakeholders to take action to be able to stop all illegal internet activities such as [[cybersquatting]] and trademark infringement. <ref>[http://www.cadna.org/ CADNA]</ref>
+The co-founders of FairWinds, Josh Bourne and Phil Lodico, also co-founded CADNA. CADNA and FairWinds Partners have at times seemingly been at odds, given that FairWinds is offering new gTLD consultancy services and CADNA has in the past led an oppositional effort against the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]].
-The distinction between their businesses has been criticized, given that FairWinds is offering new gTLD consultancy services and CADNA has been leading an oppositional effort against the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. This line has not always been clear, such as when FairWinds seemingly changed their approach to utilize their CADNA association to highlight that they are able to help brands [[Defensive Registration|defensively submit]] applications for [[gTLD]]s and [[Brand gTLDs]]. They explicitly noted that some brands should be choosing to apply for generic strings in an attempt to head-off any moves that their direct competitors may make for the same string; the brand could then choose to opt-out for a 70% refund should it find that its competitors did not apply and it is no longer interested in the string.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/cadna-hard-sells-defensive-gtld-applications/ CADNA Hard Sells Defensive gTLD Applications, DomainIncite.com]</ref> FairWinds is not the only consultancy service that will likely profit from defensive registration, despite the fact that ICANN led an outreach effort to educate brands that defensive registration is not necessary. The widespread perception that defensive registration was necessary was seen as a failure on ICANN's part, and it was largely addressed only after the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLd program]] was approved and high level critics, such as Secretary [[Lawrence Strickling]] of the U.S. Government, called on the organization to rectify the situation.<ref>[http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_letter_on_gtld_program_jan_3_2012.pdf NTIA Letter on gTLD Program, NTIA.doc.gov]</ref>
+In March 2012, FairWinds utilized their CADNA association to highlight that they are able to help brands [[Defensive Registration|defensively submit]] applications for [[gTLD]]s and [[Brand gTLD]]s. They explicitly noted that some brands should be choosing to apply for generic strings in an attempt to head-off any moves that their direct competitors may make for the same string; the brand could then choose to opt-out for a 70% refund should it find that its competitors did not apply and it is no longer interested in the string.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/8041-fairwinds-hard-sells-defensive-gtld-applications CADNA Hard Sells Defensive gTLD Applications, DomainIncite.com]</ref> FairWinds is not the only consultancy service that offered defensive registration services.The widespread perception that defensive registration was necessary was seen as a failure on ICANN's part, as ICANN originally led an outreach effort to educate brands that defensive registration is not necessary. The issue was largely addressed only after the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLd program]] was approved and high level critics, such as when Secretary [[Lawrence Strickling]] of the U.S. Government, called on the organization to rectify the situation.<ref>[http://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_letter_on_gtld_program_jan_3_2012.pdf NTIA Letter on gTLD Program, NTIA.doc.gov]</ref>
 ==Specific Objectives==
@@ Line 43: / Line 43: @@
 ==ICANN Correspondence & Commentary==
-The Coalition Against Domain Name Abuse has openly criticized the current ICANN structure and claimed that much of the international Internet governing body's policy-making processes have been taken over by some of the stakeholders that are profiting from domain names. The organization actively participates in ICANN activities, particularly in providing its comments on policy issues related to the interests of businesses and consumers.<ref>[http://www.cadna.org/en/issues CADNA Issues]</ref>
+CADNA is fundamentally supportive of [[ICANN]] and its multi-stakeholder model, but has been critical of some of its decisions and actions, its [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]] in particular.<ref>[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadna-supports-the-multi-stakeholder-model-of-internet-governance-140886693.html CADNA Supports the MultiStakeholder Model of Internet Governance, PRNewsWire.com]</ref>
 CADNA provided comments on numerous issues discussed by the ICANN community, particularly the latest issue of the implementation of the [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD expansion program]], which launched in January, 2012. During the development process of the New gTLD [[Applicant Guidebook]], CADNA  was been active in submitting its public comments and recommendations. The organization recommended the following revisions to the Draft Application Guidebook Version 4:<ref>
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 In September, 2012, CADNA sent a letter to [[ICANN]], its [[GAC]], and the U.S. [[NTIA|National Telecommunications and Information Administration]] to request that all new, open [[gTLD]] registries are required to implement a Perpetual Block Option or a [[DPML|Domain Protected Marks List]] (DPML). A perpetual block option would allow a given corporation to protect their IP and trademarks through a one-time registration, and was compared by CADNA to the model used by [[ICM Registry]] when launching [[.xxx]]. A DPML would block users from registerting domain names related to trademarks registered with the [[Trademark Clearinghouse]]. CADNA notes that there are about 400 applications for generic terms that do not contain any such IP protection mechanisms, and consequently risk becoming spaces for IP infringement.<ref>[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/cadna-supports-increased-rights-protection-mechanisms-for-icanns-new-gtld-program-2012-09-11 CADNA Supports Increased Rights Protection Mechanisms for ICANN's New gTLD Program, MarketWatch.com]</ref>
-==Request for Future New gTLD Applications==
+===Request for Future New gTLD Applications===
 CADNA has been critical of ICANN's New gTLD Program, claiming that its launch is premature and the policy development process that led to the creation of the Program lacked transparency. However, the organization has clarified that is not totally against the introduction of new gTLDs.<ref>[http://www.cadna.org/en/blog?page=2 CADNA Letter to the Editor]</ref> CADNA clarified this position when [[Josh Bourne]], President of CADNA, sent a letter to ICANN President and CEO [[Rod Beckstrom]] asking the Internet governing body to disclose the schedule for future rounds of new gTLD applications. According to Bourne, after hosting a conference entitled "What's at Stake: The Reality of ICANN's New gTLD Program for Brands," participants concluded that CADNA would submit a proposal to the [[ICANN Board]]. In its proposal, CADNA asked that the ICANN Board "request an Issues Report to formally initiate a policy development process to determine when the next round of new gTLD applications will occur, thereby affirming its commitment to opening a second round in a timely manner." Bourne emphasized that CADNA does not object the promotion of innovation and improved competition through the introduction of new gTLDs; however, he said that ICANN has structured this New gTLD Program in such a way that it does not meet that objective. Furthermore, Bourne said that if ICANN would reveal a second round of applications, it might help ease the anxiety felt by businesses and subdue their hostility regarding the upcoming launch of the New gTLD Program, because it will give them the opportunity to prepare more thoroughly and decide if they will benefit from participating in the Program. As is, with the dates of future rounds unknown, many companies feel a sense of market scarcity and feel obliged to rush to apply immediately, before being able to weigh the costs and benefits.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/cadna-asks-for-new-gtlds-second-round/ CADNA asks for new gTLDs second round]</ref><ref>[http://www.cadna.org/sites/default/files/cadna-proposal-to-icann-nov-18-2011.pdf Josh Bourne, CADNA President letter to Rod Beckstrom, ICANN President & CEO]</ref>