.vanguard

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Status:	Proposed
Registry Provider:	Qinetics
Type:	Brand TLD
Priority #:	361 - The Vanguard Group, Inc.

.vanguard is a Brand TLD being proposed in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant is The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Registry Provider

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

"The new .vanguard gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which The Vanguard Group, Inc. (Vanguard) can create and control domain spaces that promote its brand identity and authenticity. In this regard, the .vanguard gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space, in which Vanguard will provide information, online communication, services, and resources to consumers in a way that promotes confidence, convenience, and brand protection. Second- and third-level domains can then be created for marketing campaigns, online communication, new product launches, and brand protection purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.

Vanguard, established in 1975, is one of the world’s largest investment management companies, headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Vanguard has three U.S. offices and ten international offices across Asia and Europe, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, with over 12,500 employees. Vanguard offers mutual funds and other financial products and services to individual and institutional investors. Vanguard is owned by the funds themselves and is the world’s largest pure “no-load” mutual fund company, meaning investors pay no sales commission (“load”) when buying or selling fund shares. Vanguard has total assets of approximately USD 1.6 trillion invested in approximately 170 U.S. mutual funds, and offers additional mutual funds in international markets.

Vanguard was ranked 56th out of 236 large organizations by Leadership Excellence in October 2011 for its leadership development program. Vanguard also received the Silver Torch Award from the National Black MBA Association for providing equal opportunities for minority professionals and was named the 2011 i-COMM award winner by Employee Benefit News for its commitment to good health by opening a Wellness Center. To foster continued excellence, consumer confidence, elimination of online brand abuse, and continued online consumer engagement are essential."