.watches

Status:	Proposed
Registry:	Richemont DNS Inc.
Registry Backend:	Afilias
Type:	Generic
Category:	Commerce
PIC Submitted:	Yes Download Here
Priority #:	1848 - Richemont DNS Inc.
More information:

.watches is a proposed TLD in ICANN's New gTLD Program. The applicant is Richemont DNS Inc.

The application was issued a GAC Early Warning from the representative of Australia and GAC Chair, Heather Dryden. The warning system is noted as a strong recommendation on behalf of national governments to the ICANN Board that a given TLD application should be denied as it stands. Applicants are encouraged to work with objecting GAC members.

The warning states that the applicant is "seeking exclusive access to a common generic string .. that relates to a broad market sector," which Ms. Dryden notes could have unintended consequences and a negative impact on competition.

The applicant subsequently submitted Public Interest Commitments, which, in part, state:
"To the extent permitted by the ICANN Applicant Guidebook, competition laws and other relevant laws or regulations, Richemont intends to discuss its proposed .WATCHES registry operations with third party manufacturers of watches with a view to understanding their potential interest in such a secure, stable, and trusted platform. In connection with its registry operations, and to the extent permitted by law, Richemont will develop transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and qualitative registration criteria for the .WATCHES registry. Richemont recognizes that such criteria may be subject to consultation with ICANN and other relevant authorities. However, it is noted that Richemont’s final registration and operational policies will be determined only after careful discussions with other stakeholders and legal advisers."