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There was also a letter sent by two Congressman, Bob Goodlatte and Howard Berman, to the [[Department of Commerce]], in which they asked for a delay to the new gTLD program, and asked a number of questions on the Department's own preparedness and handling of the affair. They ask if ICANN is actually following its [[Affirmation of Commitments]] with the Department, and what the Department is doing to ensure that ICANN is following these commitments and protecting American businesses.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2011/12/20/two-congressmen-ask-commerce-department-for-delay-to-new-tlds/ Two Congressmen Ask Commerce Department For Delay to New TLDs, DomainNameWire.com]</ref>
There was also a letter sent by two Congressman, Bob Goodlatte and Howard Berman, to the [[Department of Commerce]], in which they asked for a delay to the new gTLD program, and asked a number of questions on the Department's own preparedness and handling of the affair. They ask if ICANN is actually following its [[Affirmation of Commitments]] with the Department, and what the Department is doing to ensure that ICANN is following these commitments and protecting American businesses.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2011/12/20/two-congressmen-ask-commerce-department-for-delay-to-new-tlds/ Two Congressmen Ask Commerce Department For Delay to New TLDs, DomainNameWire.com]</ref>
===Letters to ICANN===
In August 2012, members of the U.S. Congress wrote to the heads of ICANN and members of the U.S. government, questioning ICANN about their efforts to publicize the comment and objection processes for the New gTLD Program, as well as the possibility of expanding the functionality of the proposed [[Trademark Clearinghouse]]. They asked,
* What steps has ICANN taken to inform members of the public outside the ICANN community about the New gTLD public comment process, and to ensure the public's maximum and meaningful consideration and participation?
* ICANN has appointed an Independent Objector to review gTLD applications, but ICANN's Guidebook states that he may only raise objections that have been previously voiced by the public. Given this restriction, what steps is the Independent Objector taking to encourage and maximize public input? What role will the Independent Objector play in articulating and representing public concerns about specific gTLD applications?
* Will ICANN confirm that it will keep open the New gTLD public comment forum so that the broader public can comment on applications, and the Independent Objector can receive their views? If not, then what is the justification for refusing to accept and consider such material comments from the public?
* Is there anything that prevents ICANN from requiring registries to make the Trademark Clearinghouse available as a permanent service, extending it beyond the first 60-day period? Have Clearinghouse operators analyzed the feasibility of providing more meaningful and comprehensive trademark notifications, instead of only providing notice
when users register identical terms?
* In the response to our December 2011letterl ICANN suggested that the Government Advisory Committee agreed to the current Clearinghouse policies based on ICANN's commitment to review those policies "post-launch." When does ICANN intend to conduct this review? Is IcANN committed to making changes in response to specific suggestions and comments received as part of the "post-launch" review? In what ways might ICANN enhance its Clearinghouse policies after the new gTLDs launch?
* A further rights protection mechanism ICANN highlights is the availability of a "sunrise period" when certain trademark holders may reserve names in a new gTLD before it opens. Some are concerned that registries may use strategic pricing to take advantage of businesses and individuals who feel compelled to defensively register their names. What policies, if any, does ICANN have in place to discourage this activity and allay these concerns?<ref>[http://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/8-7-12%20Letter%20from%20Senate%20and%20House%20Judiciary%20Committees.pdf Letter to ICANN, August 7, 2012]</ref>
The full letter can be read [http://www.leahy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/8-7-12%20Letter%20from%20Senate%20and%20House%20Judiciary%20Committees.pdf here].
==References==
==References==