.softbank New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: SoftBank Corp.
Application Downloaded On: 16 Apr 2015
String: softbank
Application ID: 1-1807-31061
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
SoftBank Corp.
- Address of the principal place of business
1-9-1 Higashi-shimbashi Minato-ku, Tokyo - 105-7303 JP
- Phone number
+81 3 6889 2000
- Fax number
+81 3 6215 5001
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.softbank.co.jp/
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Mitsuaki Nakagawa
6(b). Title
Chief Operating Officer
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+81 3 5521 0107
6(e). Fax Number
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Kosuke Takahashi
7(b). Title
Senior Manager
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+81 3 6889 2000
7(e). Fax Number
+81 3 6215 5001
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Corporation
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
JAPAN
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.
Tokyo_Stock_Exchange / 9984
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
Ken Miyauchi RepresentativeDirector, Senior Executive Vice President
Manabu Miyasaka Director
Mark Schwartz Director
Masayoshi Son Chairman & CEO
Ronald D. Fisher Director
Tadashi Yanai Director
Yun Ma Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Name
Position
Ken Miyauchi RepresentativeDirector, Senior Executive Vice President
Masayoshi Son Chairman & CEO
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
Name
Position
Masayoshi Son Chairman & CEO
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.
softbank
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 .softbank 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
- .softbank is not identical or similar to any of the top 10 invalid TLDʹs responsible for the majority of DNS pollution, as referenced in the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)ʹs report on this topic at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄committees⁄security⁄sac045.pdf. It is likely that the .softbank has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .softbank will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, SOFTBANK CORP. does not believe that the .softbank 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 .softbank gTLD is to achieve strengthened integrity and trust from users and provide them with appropriate benefits and values by operating online businesses with more relevant, secure and user oriented features.
The new .softbank gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which SOFTBANK CORP. (Softbank) can create and control domain names under the .softbank domain space that promote Softbankʹs brand identity and authenticity. In this regard, .softbank will be used by Softbank to provide information, services and resources to consumers in a way that promotes trust, convenience and utility. The new .softbank gTLD is applied to be used as Internet vehicle for Softbank and consolidated subsidiaries which have met necessary criteria set forth by Softbank (licensed companies). Internet vehicle means websites of information disclosure and online businesses operated by the licensed companies, which are to be managed by Softbankʹs websites quality management standard and are designed to improve the integrity of Softbank brand.
Softbank will serve as a registry which creates and manages .softbank domain names soon after the application has approved. .softbank is intended to be used as an official domain of websites for the licensed companies to provide credible information regarding Softbank to all the Internet users who access to these Websites. Second level domains in .softbank will be used for administrative purpose in accordance with Softbankʹs websites quality management standard and strings for domain names are intended to be set as names of the licensed companies, names of goods and services or those strings which explicitly demonstrate the usage.
Softbank group of companies (Softbank Group) which consists of Softbank, its consolidated subsidiaries, and affiliates, headquartered in Japan, is engaged in various internet, information and communication services, including: the provision of mobile networks, broadband infrastructure, fixed-line telecommunications, distribution of internet and telecommunication related products, and the promotion and application of wider internet culture in internet advertising, e-commerce and membership services. Softbank Group consists of 178 subsidiaries and 92 affiliates (both figures are as of March 2011). Softbankʹs mobile and network business is one of the largest communication carriers in Japan and Softbank aims to be the number one provider of mobile internet services throughout Asia.
SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp., one of the consolidated subsidiaries of Softbank offers the mobile network business under ʺSoftbankʺ brand which has 27,830,000 mobile users (as of the end of December 2011). Mobile units which bear ʺSoftbankʺ brand are sold in 2,677 stores (as of the end of December 2011) throughout Japan. SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp. continuously implements an exceptional communication including 86 different kinds of annual TV commercials and tops the list for the fifth year running (unprecedented) for the popularity ratings for TV commercial, and as a result of these business activities, the ʺSoftbankʺ brand has gained a high recognition. This is supported by the subsidiary SOFTBANK HAWKS Corp., which operates a professional baseball team, which also contributes to the recognition of the Softbank brand. As for objective evaluations of these ʺSoftbankʺ brands, they are also confirmed that the ʹSoftBankʹ brand was ranked third in the survey ʺJapanʹs Best Domestic Brands 2011ʺ conducted by Interbrand.
The .softbank gTLD intends to provide the relevant information in a timely and efficient manner to business users, customers, investors and employees and other internet users to access information on Softbank online. The .softbank gTLD will enable Softbank to have greater control over the operation of the registry to improve security, service levels and reputation.
Softbank shares ICANNʹs initiatives to promote public interest. Softbank is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANNʹs Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .softbank gTLD registry will be managed and operated by the dedicated team within Softbank in accordance with a restrictive registration policy prepared by Softbank. Softbank will demonstrate to the internet users that .softbank domain names are trustworthy through its centrally managed registration, modification and deletion of domain names. Therefore, .softbank domain names will avoid the possibility of malicious conduct within the .softbank domain space;
- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice, at the level of domain name registration, among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to enhance consumer trust through its precise and secure operation. Increased trust in .softbank 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 Softbankʹs marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand, with well-recognized and memorable .softbank domain names. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting with Softbank in a user-friendly manner. As Softbank has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .softbank domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet and create synergies to in achieving ICANNʹs initiatives
In order to ensure that .softbank domain space represents brand authenticity and consumer trust, it is anticipated that up to 20 domain names will be registered in the first year, which will increase up to 100 domain names by the end of third year.
The licensed companies will participate in the promotion of user recognition and increased use of .softbank domain names through the use of various communication methods. As the use and recognition of the .softbank gTLD expands Softbank may consider providing second or third level domains to companies other than the licensed companies at a later date. Softbank will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to the .softbank gTLD, including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
Softbank intends to create relevant domain names for use including company names, product names, services or geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policies and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, Softbank will use geographic names to localize its websites in the countries 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 law, regulations and business custom in the national territory.
Softbank is a well-recognized global brand with its trademarks registered in 32 countries and territories, throughout Asia, North America, Latin America, Africa, Oceania and Europe. These trademarks, such as classes 9, 38 and 41, are registered under the categories required for its business in telecommunications services and infrastructure. Further, Softbank has an extensive portfolio of existing domain names, including domain names with an exact match or containing the Softbank trademark in the following spaces:
- gTLDs: .biz, .com, .info, .mobi, .net, .org,
- ccTLDs: .bj.jp, .cc, .cn, .co.jp, .jp, .ne.jp, .sg, .tv, .uk
Recently, Softbank was successful in securing sunrise application for the .xxx domain space based on existing trademark registration.
18B. How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18(b)i.
The key goals of the proposed new .softbank gTLD are in line with ICANNʹs Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Softbank also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which Softbank 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.
It is anticipated that the proposed .softbank gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
Differentiation (Increased trust):
The .softbank gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with Softbank by providing a distinctive domain space. Internet users will be able to directly and accurately navigate to the .softbank site, saving time and resources searching for an official site, particularly on the mobile internet devices that are central to Softbankʹs business and services. 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. Softbank can address some of these limitations by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .softbank domain space. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under .softbank domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and Softbank.
Competition:
The differentiation of .softbank gTLD as a trusted site for Softbankwill drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs. Internets users will be encouraged to interact with domain names under .softbank domain space. As a result, .softbank will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .softbank will be distributed not only to its direct customers, but to the internet community at large with improved services and competitive pricing.
Innovation:
With the expansion of the internet community, the existing gTLD structure presents limitations, not only in the availability of domain names for registrants, but also to businesses establishing a coherent global online brand presence to meet their evolving business needs. It is often difficult to register a domain name in existing domain space due to unavailability of the desired name. Even when 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. Softbank has the ability to create second or third level domain names, including the use of geographic names, on demand which are relevant to its customer base, services and products. The use of .softbank will allow for greater uniformity of the Softbank brand as well as facilitating future growth and strengthening its online reputation. Softbank will be able to combine its use of the domain space with innovative user focused marketing and services creating synergy to address the currently unmet needs in the existing domain name system providing greater consumer choice.
18(b)iii.
The proposed .softbank will provide positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Softbank 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 Softbank. Therefore, .softbank gTLD will:
- provide an easy and intuitive reference and access point for internet users;
- represent authenticity thus promoting user confidence;
- direct internet users to relevant information in a timely manner by creating domain names on demand;
- use of 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.
.softbank 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 allows an eligible party to lodge a claim through existing processes, the .softbank gTLD will reduce potential abuses in the registration processes and overall costs to internet users. User confidence in the domain name system will be strengthened, which will ultimately contribute towards promoting ICANNʹs core values in benefiting the public interest.
18(b)iv.
Only Softbank and its subsidiary entities will be eligible to register domain names in .softbank at this stage. The domain name registration processes will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures.
18(b)v.
Softbank is committed to protection of privacy and confidential information in accordance with its objective of increasing consumer 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 userʹs confidential information. Softbank also complies with all relevant laws, ordinances, national guidelines and regulations regarding the handling of personal information relevant to the telecommunications industry. Companies within the Softbank Group have accreditation under the standards: PrivacyMark (JIS Q 15001) for the protection of personal information;ISO⁄IEC27001:2005(JIS Q 27001:2006) as an information security management standard and⁄or TRUSTe, as an online privacy protection seal.
As the .softbank gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of Softbank, 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. Softbank 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, Softbank 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.
Softbank will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Softbank and its users interacting with Softbank 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 .softbank gTLD. Softbank 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 firewalls and Secure Socket Layers for all personal information collected for its users.
Softbank 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 .softbank domain space.
18(b)vi.
The proposed new gTLD will be publicised by a media plan to promote recognition of the new gTLD within the internet community to be a trusted site and as a sign of authenticity. 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 Softbank at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under .softbank domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .softbank gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Softbank will utilize 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 consumers who have been targeted by malicious abuse in utilizing payment services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .softbank gTLD.
18(c)i.
Initial use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to internal business use and Softbank is intended to be the registrant under the .softbank gTLD. Therefore conflicts between multiple applications are
not anticipated to occur.
18(c)ii.
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only at this stage, so pricing incentives are not applicable or relevant.
18(c)iii.
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only at this stage, so pricing incentives or pricing increases are not applicable or relevant as no additional fees are to be charged.