[council] New gTLD Program Committee resolution on "closed generic" strings

[Bruce Tonkin <Bruce.Tonkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,

Note the new gTLD program committee passed the following resolution at its 
meeting on 2 Feb 2012:

http://www.icann.org/en/news/public-comment/closed-generic-05feb13-en.htm

The New gTLD Program Committee of the ICANN Board of Directors has discussed 
this issue and has also directed completion of a set of focused research and 
analysis items to inform any possible action to be taken.    At its 2 February 
2013 meeting, the Committee passed the following resolution:

Whereas, the New gTLD Program Committee has received correspondence from the 
community and understands that members of the community are applying a 
definition of a "closed generic" TLD as a TLD string that is a generic term 
that is proposed to be operated by a participant exclusively for its own 
benefit.

Whereas, ICANN implemented the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) 
policy recommendations on the "Introduction of New Generic Top-Level Domains," 
and within those policy recommendations there is no specific policy regarding 
"closed generic" top-level domains (TLDs).

Whereas, members of the community have expressed concerns regarding 
applications for "closed generic" TLDs.

Whereas, the New gTLD Program Committee considers that it is important to 
understand all views and potential ramifications relating to 'closed generic' 
TLDs.

Resolved (2013.02.02.n01), the New gTLD Program Committee directs the President 
and CEO to open a 21-day public comment forum on this topic, which should 
include a call for identification of proposed objective criteria to classify 
applied-for TLDs as "closed generic" TLDs.

Resolved (2013.02.02.n02), the New gTLD Program Committee directs the President 
and CEO to:

1.  Summarize and analyze all comments submitted in the public comment forum.

2.  Review materials supporting the policy development process resulting in the 
GNSO policy recommendations on the Introduction of New Generic Top-Level 
Domains and provide analysis of any discussions relating to the limitations on 
potential new gTLDs.

3.  Analyze the feasibility of objectively classifying applied for TLDs as 
"closed generic" TLDs.

4.  Provide an analysis as to whether the public interest and principles of 
international law are served by adopting a clear approach regarding 'closed 
generic' gTLDs.

5.  Provide a report, including alternatives, to the New gTLD Program Committee 
informed by the comments received and analysis conducted.