.food
| Status: | Proposed |
| country: | International |
| Type: | Generic |
More information: 
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.food is a new generic top level domain name (gTLD) proposed to the New gTLD Program of ICANN. The applicants for the string include: [1]
- Donuts (Wild Orchard, LLC)- This is one of the companies created by Donuts to submit its application for the gTLD. The company invested $56 million just for application fees for 307 new gTLDs. Its back-end registry services will be provided by Demand Media.[2]
- Dot Food, LLC- Ms. Tess Pattison-Wade, Executive Director of the company is listed as contact person in the application. The company partnered with Neustar to serve as its back-end registry provider. [3]
- Lifestyle Domain Holdings, Inc.- Matthew Russotti is the main contact person of the company. The company is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Verisign will provide its back-end registry services. [4]
Controversy[edit | edit source]
In 2009, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck announced its plans to apply for the .food TLD in partnership with Minds + Machines during the ICANN meeting in Sydney, Australia. Puck's primary responsibility in the partnership is to encourage the entities within the food industry to use the .food TLD. [5] The partnership's application for the string did not materialize and ended in a lawsuit. Minds + Machines together with its parent company Top Level Domains Holding Ltd. and its investor Frederick R Krueger filed a lawsuit against Puck and his wife Gelila Puck as a result of a failed business deal in connection with the .food TLD. The consulting firm alleged that Gelila interjected herself in the relationship between Minds+Machines and Wolfgang Puck and interfered in the existing business relationships with Minds + Machines. The company also alleged that the Pucks sent a demand letter citing that they own 50% of the .food and 50% of all the business that will be developed as a result of their introductions. In addition, the couple also allegedly stated that they have the right to co-invest in any TLDs. Minds + Machines refused the couples demands. Gelila became "forceful, abusive, and erratic" to the extent of calling Minds + Machines employees and telling them to resign. Wolfgang also stopped promoting the .food TLD. Minds + Machines asked the court to order the Pucks to pay $5 million for business damages. On the other hand, the Pucks argued that the company breached their contract and requested for an immediate negotiation. [6]