.chanel

Status:	Proposed
Registry Provider:	Verisign
Type:	Brand TLD
More information:

.chanel is a Brand TLD being proposed in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant is Chanel International B.V.

Application Details

The following is excerpted from the applicant's response to question #18:

"The new .chanel gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Chanel International B.V. (Chanel) can create and control domain spaces that promote and protect its brand identity and authenticity. Chanel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cheremaw SARL which, together with its affiliates such as Chanel, Inc., forms part of the Chanel Group of Companies (Chanel Group). The .chanel gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for the Chanel Group to provide information, services and resources to consumers in a way that promotes trust, convenience and utility. Second and third level domain names will be utilized for online marketing purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.

Since its establishment in France in 1924 by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, the Chanel brand remains dedicated to luxury, fashion style and image. The Chanel Group offers a broad range of luxury products, including Haute Couture, ready-to-wear, fragrance, cosmetics, leather goods, accessories, fine jewelry and watches. With offices around the world, the Chanel Group has over 24 boutiques and over 90 locations at select retailers within the US. As a global luxury brand, the Chanel Group also maintains over 180 boutiques and stores throughout Asia, Europe, Middle East, Oceania and North and South America. As a luxury and style icon, strengthened brand identity and brand recognition together with consumer trust are paramount considerations in the Chanel Group’s business activities.

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Given the restricted nature of the .chanel gTLD, the projected number of registrations are likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of domain names between 5 and 20 will be registered in the first few years. However, the number of domain name registration is likely to increase as Chanel develops and implements new plans for the .chanel gTLD including creating domain names relevant to its products and services.

Chanel intends to use geographic names in the second or third level domain names at a later stage. Chanel will use geographic names to localize its websites in countries relevant to its operation in accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22. The use of geographic names is intended to:

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At this stage, Chanel does not intend to utilize Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level. However, as the use of the .chanel gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that Chanel may utilize IDNs within the .chanel domain space to allow internet users to engage with .chanel in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.

Chanel is a well-recognized global brand with its “Chanel” trademarks registered by the Chanel Group throughout the world. The Chanel Group also owns trademarks in its wide range of luxury products. Chanel believes that the .chanel gTLD is unlikely to cause confusion with either a generic term or any existing TLDs. Chanel trademarks are a leading global brand with significant reputation across the world as a luxury fashion house and Chanel has used the Chanel brand in conjunction with its luxury goods businesses for almost 90 years. As such, the Chanel brand is famous as a luxurious fashion and style icon.

Further, the Chanel Group has over 180 existing domain names with an exact match to the applied-for .chanel including but not limited to chanel.com, chanel.info, chanel.us, chanel.eu and chanel.com.tw.

Recently, Chanel was successful in securing sunrise applications for chanel.biz, chanel.info, chanel.mobi and chanel.asia based on existing trademark registration.