.volvo New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Volvo Holding Sverige Aktiebolag
Application Downloaded On: 18 Sep 2015
String: volvo
Application ID: 1-1797-56873
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Volvo Holding Sverige Aktiebolag
- Address of the principal place of business
AB Volvo Gothenburg - 405 08 SE
- Phone number
+46 31 660000
- Fax number
+46 31 661114
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.volvogroup.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Johan Wendels
6(b). Title
Digital Brand Director (acting)
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+46 31 3231555
6(e). Fax Number
+46 31 661114
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Caroline Fransson
7(b). Title
Digital Brand Director
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+46 31 661159
7(e). Fax Number
+46 31 661114
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Private Limited Liability Company
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Swedish
8(c). Attach evidence of the applicant's establishment.
Attachments are not displayed on this form.
9(a). If applying company is publicly traded, provide the exchange and symbol.
9(b). If the applying entity is a subsidiary, provide the parent company.
9(c). If the applying entity is a joint venture, list all joint venture partners.
Applicant Background
11(a). Name(s) and position(s) of all directors
Name
Position
Jesper Mathias BARENFELD Board Member
Nina Karin Jenny ARESUND Chair of the Board
Per Arne Mikael Hagström Board Member and Managing Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Name
Position
Per Arne Mikael Hagström Board Member and Managing Director
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
11(d). For an applying entity that does not have directors, officers, partners, or shareholders: Name(s) and position(s) of all individuals having legal or executive responsibility
Applied-for gTLD string
- Provide the applied-for gTLD string. If an IDN, provide the U-label.
volvo
14A. If applying for an IDN, provide the A-label (beginning with "xn--").
14B. If an IDN, provide the meaning, or restatement of the string in English, that is, a description of the literal meaning of the string in the opinion of the applicant.
14C1. If an IDN, provide the language of the label (in English).
14C2. If an IDN, provide the language of the label (as referenced by ISO-639-1).
14D1. If an IDN, provide the script of the label (in English).
14D2. If an IDN, provide the script of the label (as referenced by ISO 15924).
14E. If an IDN, list all code points contained in the U-label according to Unicode form.
15A. If an IDN, upload IDN tables for the proposed registry. An IDN table must include:
the applied-for gTLD string relevant to the tables,
the script or language designator (as defined in BCP 47),
table version number,
effective date (DD Month YYYY), and
contact name, email address, and phone number.
Submission of IDN tables in a standards-based format is encouraged.
15B. Describe the process used for development of the IDN tables submitted, including consultations and sources used.
15C. List any variants to the applied-for gTLD string according to the relevant IDN tables.
- Describe the applicant's efforts to ensure that there are no known operational or rendering problems concerning the applied-for gTLD string. If such issues are known, describe steps that will be taken to mitigate these issues in software and other applications.
The .volvo string and A-Label were developed in line with and checked against the eligibility, stability and policy criteria as stated in the ICANN Applicant Guidebook - version 2012-01-11. The results of those checks are as follows:
- The string has less than 63 characters;
- The string in ASCII is composed of three or more visually distinct characters;
- The ASCII label consists entirely of letters;
- The string is not a reserved name as shown in section 2.2.1.2.1 - Reserved Names of the ICANN Applicant Guidebook - version 2012-01-11; and
- .volvo is not identical or similar to any of the top 10 invalid TLD’s responsible for the majority of DNS pollution, as referenced in the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)’s report on this topic at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄committees⁄security⁄sac045.pdf. It is likely that the .volvo has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .volvo will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Volvo Holding Sverige Aktiebolag does not believe that the .volvo gTLD will be subject to any operational or rendering problems.
- OPTIONAL.
Provide a representation of the label according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (http://www.langsci.ucl.ac.uk/ipa/).
18A. Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD.
THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE NEW RESTRICTED .VOLVO 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 .volvo gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Volvo Holding Sverige Aktiebolag (Volvo) can create and control domain spaces that promote the Volvo brand’s identity and authenticity. In this regard, the .volvo gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for Volvo and its affiliates to provide information, services and resources to customers and other target groups in a way that promotes trust, accessibility and utility. Second and third level domains can then be utilised for new marketing possibilities, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
Volvo is a company, within the Volvo Group, which is wholly owned by AB Volvo (publ.). Volvo owns and manages movable goods for the Volvo Group and will be responsible for the management and operations of the .volvo domain space. Established in 1927, the Volvo Group provides transportation related products and services with a focus on quality, safety and environmental care. Since its establishment, the Volvo Group has developed to become a major global player. Today, the Volvo Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of transport trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications and aerospace components. Based in Sweden, the Volvo Group employs over 100,000 people with production facilities in 19 countries and operations in over 180 countries such as Sweden, US, France, China and Japan. Listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, the Volvo Group has an established and strong presence in Western Europe, North America and South America. Following its acquisitions of the Japanese truck manufacturer UD Trucks and the Chinese wheel loader manufacturer Lingong, the Volvo Group now also has a significant industrial presence in Asia. The Volvo Group’s various operations are organised to deliver the greatest possible focus on customers and their needs, and to exploit and harness the Group’s far-reaching and shared resources in the best possible way. In this regard, customer trust and continuous innovation are paramount considerations in Volvo’s application for the .volvo gTLD.
Business activities are increasingly conducted over the internet, allowing for greater levels of interaction between businesses and customers. As a result, both businesses and end users benefit from ease of interaction and a wider range of choices with lower transaction costs. However, recent developments in this area have increased the potential for exposure for both businesses and internet users to an increase in the incidents of criminal activities over the internet, including data breach, identify theft, hacking and phishing. These sophisticated criminal activities can cause financial and non-financial loss as well as reputational damage for businesses as internet users lose consumer confidence and trust with the businesses targeted by such criminal activities, as well as the internet as a whole. The .volvo gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users wishing to connect and do business with Volvo Group online, whilst still allowing for convenient and efficient interaction between the parties.
Volvo’s mission and purpose for the proposed new gTLD share common goals with ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. Volvo is committed to contributing towards achieving the outcome of certain initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which include:
- consumer trust: the .volvo gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Volvo Group and its affiliate entities, at this stage, which will provide added consumer trust that .volvo domain names are trustworthy. As .volvo domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Volvo’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .volvo domain space;
- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice at the level of registration of domain names among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .volvo gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and
- consumer choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting Volvo’s marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand. These names will provide the internet users with more choices for interacting with Volvo. As Volvo has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under the .volvo domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .volvo gTLD, the projected number of registration is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that between 5 and 500 domain names will be registered in the first few years. However, the number of registrations is likely to increase as Volvo develops and implements new services and marketing campaigns for the new gTLD.
Volvo intends to create relevant domain names for use including product, services or geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, Volvo will use geographic names to localise websites in the 140 countries and territories in which it operates. The use of geographic names is intended to:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and
- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory.
The Volvo brand is a well-recognised global brand. Volvo’s affiliate, Volvo Trademark Holding AB, holds an extensive trademark portfolio with over 600 “Volvo” trademark registrations in 164 countries and territories for the following categories such as trucks, buses, construction equipment, cars, drive systems for marine and industrial applications and aerospace components, as well as parts for aforementioned goods (Class 12) and logistics solutions (Class 39). Volvo Trademark Holding AB also holds about 1200 trademark registrations for marks containing the “Volvo” mark for the same classes. Volvo Trademark Holding AB has issued an exclusive licence to AB Volvo (publ.) and its affiliates to use the “Volvo” trademark in internet domain names operated by the Volvo Group. Volvo Holding Sverige AB will operate the .volvo gTLD on behalf of its parent company AB Volvo (publ.).
Further, Volvo and its affiliates have an extensive domain name portfolio. The Volvo Group has over 200 existing domain names with an exact match to the applied-for .volvo string and its “Volvo” trademark in spaces including volvo.com, volvo.eu and volvo.jp. The Volvo Group also holds over 400 existing domain names containing the “Volvo” trademark.
Volvo believes that the .volvo gTLD is unlikely to cause confusion with either a generic term or any existing TLDs. Volvo trademarks are a leading global brand with significant reputation in countries all around the world. The Volvo Group has used the term “Volvo” in conjunction with its transportation related products and services since its establishment over 80 years ago and has associated the Group’s “Volvo” brand with the its core values on quality, safety and environmental care. As such, the Volvo brand is a well-reputable brand worldwide.
18B. How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18(b)i. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR PROPOSED GTLD IN TERMS OF AREAS OF SPECIALTY, SERVICE LEVELS OR REPUTATION?
The key goals of the proposed new .volvo gTLD are consistent with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Volvo also seeks to foster its online reputation as a technically innovative company and provide an authoritative internet space through which Volvo is able to communicate with its customers directly and effectively. The ability to create domain names on demand related to specific marketing, specialty service and product development supports these goals. Strengthened security measures, service levels and more effective functionality will provide a trusted and positive user experience.
18(b)ii. WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE YOUR PROPOSED GTLD WILL ADD TO THE CURRENT SPACE, IN TERMS OF COMPETITION, DIFFERENTIATION, OR INNOVATION?
It is anticipated that the proposed .volvo gTLD will make a positive contribution to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .volvo gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with the Volvo Group by providing a distinctive domain space. Volvo anticipates that the new .volvo gTLD will provide simpler URLs thereby facilitating accessibility to the Volvo branded websites. Internet users will be able to directly navigate to the .volvo gTLD site, saving time and resources searching for an official site. Volvo plans to use the .volvo domain space to deliver the Volvo Group’s resources to its customers in the best possible way. The current domain name system has shown that it is vulnerable to malicious abuses due to registration of domain names which seek to exploit consumer confusion. Volvo can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .volvo domain space. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under the .volvo domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and Volvo online.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of the .volvo gTLD as a trusted site for Volvo will drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs. Internet users will be encouraged to interact with domain names under the .volvo domain space. As a result, .volvo will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .volvo gTLD will be distributed not only to its direct customers, but to the internet community at large forcing improved services and competitive pricing in the market place.
INNOVATION:
With the expansion of the internet community to all corners of the world, the existing TLD structure presents limitations, not only in the availability of domain names for registrants, but also to businesses and organisations establishing or seeking to establish, a coherent global online brand presence to meet their evolving business needs. Further, due to its large global presence, it is essential that the Volvo Group has the flexibility to create domain names which are relevant to and consistent across its campaigns and products globally. However, it is often difficult to register a domain name in the existing domain space due to the unavailability of the desired name in certain domain name spaces. Even where the desired domain name is available, it may come with a high price tag associated with a purchase of such desired name from a third party. With the proposed .volvo gTLD, Volvo has the ability to create second or third level domain names which are relevant to its customer base, services and products consistently across various geographical markets, including the use of geographic names where applicable. Volvo will be able to combine its use of the domain space with innovative user focused marketing and services to address the currently unmet needs in the existing domain name system providing greater consumer choice.
18(b)iii. WHAT GOALS DOES YOUR PROPOSED GTLD HAVE IN TERMS OF USER EXPERIENCE?
The proposed .volvo gTLD will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Volvo will maintain control in the registration and use of domain names and will ensure that the new gTLD will only be used for purposes authorised by Volvo. Therefore, the .volvo gTLD will:
- provide an easy and intuitive reference and access point by simplifying URLs for the Volvo Group’s internet users;
- promote the Volvo Group’s online reputation as a technically innovative Group;
- represent authenticity thus promoting user confidence;
- direct internet users to relevant information in a timely manner by creating domain names on demand;
- promote the Volvo brand’s large internet presence by providing greater flexibility in creating domain names relevant to Volvo branded campaigns and products;
- allow the use of IDNs at a later stage to enable customer to interact directly in their native language;
- use geographic names to localise its websites to connect with internet users in the relevant regions and to comply with local laws;
- enhance security and minimise security risks by implementing necessary technical and policy measures;
- strengthen brand reputation and user confidence by eliminating user confusion; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
As the new .volvo gTLD expands and evolves, Volvo will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining customer trust and the stability of the internet. Volvo will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to the .volvo gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
Volvo does not intend to utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level initially. However, as the use of the .volvo gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that Volvo will utilise IDNs within the .volvo domain space to allow internet users to engage with .volvo in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
The .volvo gTLD should address the concerns that the current domain name system is open to potential malicious abuse and user confusion in the registration processes. Although the current system does allow an eligible party to lodge a claim through existing Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) or other dispute resolution processes to address this issue, the .volvo gTLD will reduce the scope for potential abuses in the registration processes and overall costs to internet users, by restricting the eligibility criteria for the registration of domain names. User confidence in the domain name system will be strengthened, which will ultimately contribute towards promoting ICANN’s core values in benefiting the public interest.
18(b)iv. PROVIDE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICANTʹS INTENDED REGISTRATION POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS LISTED ABOVE.
The proposed registration policy is attached in response to Question 28.
Only affiliate entities of Volvo will be eligible to register domain names in .volvo at this stage. The domain name registration processes will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures.
18(b)v. WILL YOUR PROPOSED GTLD IMPOSE ANY MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANTS OR USERS? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY SUCH MEASURES.
Volvo is committed to protection of privacy and confidential information in accordance with its objective of increasing customer trust and providing a safe and legitimate internet space for internet users. Privacy and confidential information will be protected in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to internet security, privacy and user’s confidential information including Personal Data Act 1998 (Sweden) and the Data Protection Directive 95⁄46⁄EC (EU). The Volvo Group also abides by the law and regulations of the relevant country in which it operates in.
Privacy is of fundamental concern to Volvo Group’s customers and as such Volvo has a strong interest in ensuring a high level of privacy protection for its customers. Volvo has implemented its own privacy statement to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. Volvo Group assures its users that any information collected over its websites are only collected through the user’s informed voluntary submission. Volvo Group informs its users that they are entitled to rectify any inaccurate personal information under its collection. Volvo Group ensures that its users are aware of their rights to be informed of how their personal information is processed and its uses.
As the .volvo gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of Volvo and Volvo Trademark Holding AB, initially, the amount of personal data that will be collected for the purposes of operating the gTLD and made publicly available in the WHOIS database will be very limited. Volvo will provide a publicly available and searchable WHOIS look up facility, where information about the domain name status, registrant information including administrative and technical contact details can be found in accordance with Specification 4 of the Registry Agreement. In order to prevent misuse of the WHOIS look up facility, Volvo will utilise measures including a requirement where any person submitting a WHOIS database query is required to read and agree to the terms and conditions in accordance with the registration policy. This will include the terms of use that the WHOIS database is provided for information purposes only and that the user agrees not to use the information for any other purposes such as allowing or enabling the transmission of unsolicited commercial advertising or other communication.
Volvo will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Volvo Group and its users interacting with Volvo Group online. DNSSEC provides additional security by validating information in the transmission; therefore it is intended to benefit those who publish information in the domain name system (DNS) and the users who retrieve information from the new .volvo gTLD. Volvo Group already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access. Such measures include the use of an internal, secure global network that is regularly monitored and protected from unauthorised access and computer viruses. The Volvo Group also complies with its ISO27001 certification, which requires a number of formal information security controls.
Volvo will continue to apply all security measures currently implemented and will comply with all other policies and practices required by ICANN in the Registry Agreement and any relevant Consensus Policy for protecting the privacy and confidential information of registrants and users in the new .volvo domain space.
18(b)vi. DESCRIBE WHETHER AND IN WHAT WAYS OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECTED BENEFITS.
The proposed new gTLD will be publicised by a communication plan to promote recognition of the new gTLD within the internet community.The communication plan is being developed during the period of ICANN’s evaluation of Volvo’s application, pending delegation. Considering the Volvo brand is a well-recognized global brand and that the Volvo brand’s internet presence already is vast and business critical, the proposed new gTLD will be communicated in a step-by-step by approach, e.g. one market at a time and one product at a time.
During the initial stage of the operation of the proposed new gTLD, it is anticipated that internet users will be re-directed to current websites. However, over time, it is foreseen that communication to the internet community of the existence of the proposed new gTLD and encouragement to utilise the trusted site will contribute towards minimising malicious abuses and protecting internet users.
18C. What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs (e.g., time or financial resource costs, as well as various types of consumer vulnerabilities)? What other steps will you take to minimize negative consequences/costs imposed upon consumers?
As a restricted gTLD, registration will only be open to entities affiliated with Volvo at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under the .volvo domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .volvo gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Volvo will utilise the services of the proposed Trademark Clearinghouse to ensure that domain names registered and the use of those domain names, do not infringe any registered third party intellectual property rights.
No unaffiliated third party will be permitted to register domain names at this stage. It is estimated that time and money spent by internet users who have been targeted by malicious abuse in utilising services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .volvo gTLD.
18(c)i. HOW WILL MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR DOMAIN NAME BE RESOLVED, FOR EXAMPLE, BY AUCTION OR ON A FIRST-COME⁄FIRST-SERVE BASIS?
The initial use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to Volvo branded business use and Volvo and affiliate entities are intended to be the registrants under the .volvo gTLD. Therefore conflicts between multiple applications are not anticipated to occur.
18(c)ii. EXPLAIN ANY COST BENEFITS FOR REGISTRANTS YOU INTEND TO IMPLEMENT (E.G., ADVANTAGEOUS PRICING, INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNTS, BULK REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS).
This gTLD will be used only by Volvo and affiliated entities, at this stage, so pricing incentives are not applicable or relevant.
18(c)iii. NOTE THAT THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES THAT REGISTRARS BE OFFERED THE OPTION TO OBTAIN INITIAL DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATIONS FOR PERIODS OF ONE TO TEN YEARS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REGISTRAR, BUT NO GREATER THAN TEN YEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF PRICE INCREASES. DO YOU INTEND TO MAKE CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS TO REGISTRANTS REGARDING THE MAGNITUDE OF PRICE ESCALATION? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PLAN.
This gTLD will be used only by Volvo and affiliated entities, at this stage, so pricing incentives or pricing increases are not applicable or relevant as no additional fees are to be charged.