.walter

Status:	Delegated
Registry Provider:	Verisign
Registry:	Sandvik AB
Registry Backend:	GoDaddy
Date Implemented:	27 May 2015
Type:	Brand TLD
Priority #:	1635 - Sandvik AB
More information:

.walter is a Brand TLD delegated in ICANN's New gTLD Program. Sandvik AB manages the TLD and is its Registry. The proposed application succeeded and was delegated to the Root Zone on 13 May, 2015. .

Application Details

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

"THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE NEW RESTRICTED .WALTER gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE ELIMINATION OF USER CONFUSION AND ASSURANCE OF BRAND AUTHENTICITY.

The new .walter gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Sandvik AB (Sandvik) can create and control domain spaces that promote the identity and authenticity of the Walter brand. In this regard, the .walter gTLD will be used by Sandvik, Walter, its affiliates and partners to provide information and resources regarding Walter’s tooling products and services to consumers in a way that promotes trust, confidence and simplicity. Second and third level domains can then be utilised for websites for Walter’s precision tool products and services, as well as for marketing purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.

Walter AG (Walter) is a leading German-based tool manufacturer specialising in the development, production and sale of precision tools for machining metal. Walter has production facilities in Germany, France, US, Brazil and China, with a catalogue of 49,000 tools and 3,600 employees worldwide. Walter has 16,000 customers in over 40 countries around the world. Walter has been part of the Sandvik group of companies since 2002. Sandvik is a leading global, high-technology engineering group with advanced products and world-leading positions in areas including tooling, materials technology, mining and construction. The company was founded in 1862 and changed its name to Sandvik in 1972. Sandvik now operates in more than 130 countries and has over 50,000 employees worldwide. Sandvik is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange and had annual sales of more than SEK 94 billion in 2011. Sandvik invests around SEK 3 billion each year in research and development (R&D), with more than 2,700 employees working on R&D and about 5,500 active patents. In this regard, brand reputation and continuous innovation are paramount considerations in all its activities. The new .walter gTLD will provide a global platform for Sandvik to strengthen the Walter brand online by communicating and interacting with its customers, tailoring innovative online services to suit different customer bases and providing improved searchability and navigation for internet users."