.win

Status:	Proposed
Registry Provider:	Neustar
Type:	Generic
Category:	Technology
Priority #:	1268 - Famous Four Media (First Registry Limited)
More information:

.win is a proposed TLD in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant is Famous Four Media (First Registry Limited).

Application Details

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

"Why .win? Be it full-competition gaming for high stakes, or playing games with family members for matchsticks, nobody can completely avoid the competitor inside them – we all like to win. Playing and winning a game is one of life’s simple pleasures, it excites passions and can bring people together in the best of ways, and the internet has allowed this to happen on a greater scale than could ever previously be imagined.

Since its inception the internet has revolutionised the way people communicate, share, play, do business and learn. However, access to the countless benefits and opportunities which the internet offers can often be hindered when navigating the ever-expanding sea of irrelevant and sometimes malicious content which also exists, and this is as true of online gaming as anything else.

Thus, the aim of ‘.win’ is to create a blank canvas for online game resources set within a secure environment. The Applicant will achieve this by creating a consolidated, versatile and dedicated space to access gaming information and services. As the new space is dedicated to those within the gaming affinity group the Applicant will ensure that consumer trust is promoted. Consequently consumer choice will be augmented as there will be a ready marketplace specifically for online game-related enterprises to provide their goods and services. All stakeholders within the sector will be able to sample reactions to new ideas, or gather thoughts on the improvements of established ones. This will drive innovation and competition, as new channels will be available which are not yet fulfilled by current market offerings, compelling registrants to seek new and varied ways to separate themselves from the competition.

How will .win take shape? The Applicant believes that the success of the gTLD will be determined largely by the sector’s key global stakeholders. These stakeholders will be interested in registering a domain and additionally be motivated to protect their sector from detrimental practices. The Applicant believes that stakeholders should have the opportunity to influence the gTLD and the way it is governed. Accordingly, the Applicant is establishing a Governance Council (“GC”), consisting of key stakeholders that will serve as an advisory body.

Why Applicant? The Applicant has substantial combined experience amongst its team in managing global businesses from a financial, legal and operational perspective and an exceptionally strong financial position. The Applicant’s Team has previous experience with the entire gTLD life-cycle significantly lowering any launch and ongoing operational risks associated with this application. The Applicant has engaged a world-class Registry services provider to manage the technical infrastructure of the .win gTLD. The Applicant is further advised by the leading sector experts in all other areas required to ensure a responsible and successful launch and ongoing management of the gTLD to the benefit of all stakeholders in the ICANN community.

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Registration Policies

The purpose and goal of the Applicant’s policies are to ensure competition, fairness, trust and reliability for Registrars, Registrants, the user community, and other stake holders, while maintaining security and stability for the gTLD.

General Policy

Aside from certain start-up mechanisms, all domain names will generally be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. A Trademark Claims service will be offered for the first 90 days of general registration, with the intent of providing clear notice to potential Registrants of the existing rights of trademark owners with registered trademarks in the Trademark Clearinghouse."