.moto New gTLD Application
Click to view Chinese translation articles.
-----------------------------------
New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: United TLD Holdco Ltd.
String: moto
Originally Posted: 13 June 2012
Application ID: 1-1255-15838
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
United TLD Holdco Ltd.
- Address of the principal place of business
Ugland House
South Church Street
George Town KY1-1104
KY
- Phone number
4252982599
- Fax number
4252982794
- If applicable, website or URL
http:⁄⁄unitedtld.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Mr. Jeffrey Eckhaus
6(b). Title
Senior Vice President
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
4252982599
6(e). Fax Number
4252982794
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Mr. Taryn Naidu
7(b). Title
Executive Vice President
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
4252982599
7(e). Fax Number
4252982794
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Corporation
8(b). State the specific national or other jursidiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Cayman Islands
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.
DMIH Limited
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
David Edward Panos Member of Board of Directors
Taryn Jogi Naidu Member of Board of Directors
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
DMIH Limited Not Applicable
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.
moto
14(a). If an IDN, provide the A-label (beginning with "xn--").
14(b). 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.
14(c). If an IDN, provide the language of the label (in English).
14(c). If an IDN, provide the language of the label (as referenced by ISO-639-1).
14(d). If an IDN, provide the script of the label (in English).
14(d). If an IDN, provide the script of the label (as referenced by ISO 15924).
14(e). If an IDN, list all code points contained in the U-label according to Unicode form.
15(a). If an IDN, Attach IDN Tables for the proposed registry.
Attachments are not displayed on this form.
15(b). Describe the process used for development of the IDN tables submitted, including consultations and sources used.
15(c). List any variant strings 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.
United TLD has conducted technical analysis on the applied-for string, and concluded that there are no known potential operational or rendering issues associated with the string.
The following sections discuss the potential operational or rendering problems that can arise, and how United TLD will mitigate them.
Compliance and Interoperability
The applied-for string conforms to all relevant RFCs, as well as the string requirements set forth in Section 2.2.1.3.2 of the Applicant Guidebook.
Mixing Scripts
If a domain name label contains characters from different scripts, it has a higher likelihood of encountering rendering issues. If the mixing of scripts occurs within the top-level label, any rendering issue would affect all domain names registered under it. If occurring within second level labels, its ill effects are confined to the domain names with such labels.
All characters in the applied-for gTLD string are taken from a single script. In addition, United TLDs IDN policies are deliberately conservative and compliant with the ICANN Guidelines for the Implementation of IDN Version 3.0. Specifically, United TLD does not allow mixed-script labels to be registered at the second level, except for languages with established orthographies and conventions that require the commingled use of multiple scripts, e.g. Japanese.
Interaction Between Labels
Even with the above issue appropriately restricted, it is possible that a domain name composed of labels with different properties such as script and directionality may introduce unintended rendering behavior.
United TLD adopts a conservative strategy when offering IDN registrations. In particular, it ensures that any IDN language tables used for offering IDN second level registrations involve only scripts and characters that would not pose a risk when combined with the top level label.
Immature Scripts
Scripts or characters added in Unicode versions newer than 3.2 (on which IDNA2003 was based) may encounter interoperability issues due to the lack of software support.
United TLD does not currently plan to offer registration of labels containing such scripts or characters.
Other Issues
To further contain the risks of operation or rendering problems, United TLD currently does not offer registration of labels containing combining characters or characters that require IDNA contextual rules handling. It may reconsider this decision in cases where a language has a clear need for such characters.
United TLD understands that the following may be construed as operational or rendering issues, but considers them out of the scope of this question. Nevertheless, it will take reasonable steps to protect registrants and Internet users by working with vendors and relevant language communities to mitigate such issues.
- missing fonts causing string to fail to render correctly; and
- universal acceptance of the TLD;
- (OPTIONAL) Provide a representation of the label according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (http://www.langsci.ucl.ac.uk/ipa/).
Mission/Purpose
18(a). Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD.
Q18a, Char 3435
The term “moto” is a generic and broadly used word that holds particular affinity for people and organizations interested and engaged in the world of motorcycles and other motor-equipped vehicles. Global in scope, today a passionate and engaged group of hundreds of millions of consumers and tens of thousands of organizations identify with this word. The mission and purpose of the .moto TLD is to establish an easily recognized and accessible namespace for this large and dynamic international group.
The .moto TLD is proposed by United TLD Holdco Ltd. (“United TLD”), a well-funded company established by highly experienced domain industry executives for the express purpose of securing the rights to operate a portfolio of TLDs that increase choice, expression, affinity and relevance for millions of consumers, businesses and other organizations on the web.
As outlined in our response to Qs. 46, 47 and 48, United TLD has a large capital base available to fund start-up costs, acquire the rights to operate multiple TLDs and operate the registries in a world-class manner. Additionally, United TLD has prefunded a Continued Operations Instrument (COI) to protect future registrants.
PROTECTING CONSUMERS AND RIGHTS HOLDERS
United TLD team has a wealth of experience in the domain industry and has been a dedicated contributor to ICANN’s new TLD program for many years as an active participant to internet policy development and implementation, working on topics like rights protection mechanisms and trademark clearing house. United TLD is committed to operating .moto in a manner that promotes inclusiveness, while creating a safe environment for consumers and rights holders.
United TLD is implementing a broad array of protection mechanisms that we believe will make this TLD a safer place than existing TLDs, with fewer instances of abuse. These protections include eight innovative mechanisms that substantially exceed the protections specified in the TLD applicant guidebook. These mechanisms are:
- Periodic audit of Whois data for accuracy;
- Remediation of inaccurate Whois data, including takedown, if warranted;
- A new Domain Protected Marks List (DPML) product for trademark protection;
- A new Claims Plus product for trademark protection;
- Terms of use that prohibit illegal or abusive activity;
- Limitations on domain proxy and privacy service;
- Published policies and procedures that define abusive activity; and
- Proper resourcing for all of the functions above.
Our protection mechanisms also include fourteen new measures that were developed specifically by ICANN for the new TLD process. These are:
- Controls to ensure proper access to domain management functions;
- 24⁄7⁄365 abuse point of contact at registry;
- Procedures for handling complaints of illegal or abusive activity, including remediation and takedown processes;
- Thick Whois;
- Use of the Trademark Clearinghouse;
- A Sunrise process;
- A Trademark Claims process;
- Adherence to the Uniform Rapid Suspension system;
- Adherence to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy;
- Adherence to the Post Delegation Dispute Resolution Policy;
- Detailed security policies and procedures;
- Strong security controls for access, threat analysis and audit;
- Implementation DNSSEC;
- Measures for the prevention of orphan glue records.
18(b). How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
Q18b, Char 5653
- what is the goal of proposed TLD in terms of specialty, service levels or reputation.
The .moto TLD seeks to establish a widely recognized and desirable address. Creating a distinct sense of identity, interest and belonging not achievable with existing TLDs, .moto will provide a well-regarded address for the sharing of information, ideas, experiences, entertainment and the sale of relevant goods and services.
The desired reputation of .moto is that of an open namespace where everyone is welcomed as engaged participants. As such, we expect that participants will create innovative and specialized products and services that connect with their audience. For example, a motocross fan club may congregate to discuss recent races or share experiences with specific kinds of equipment and accessories. Manufacturers might market their lines of motorcycles and after-market parts. Racetracks may promote their upcoming slate of races and recent results.
As the registry of an open namespace like .moto, United TLD believes that the role of the registry is to educate the marketplace about the benefits of the namespace, facilitate the broadest levels of participation, expeditiously operate within the ICANN framework for managing all manners of dispute and provide the highest levels of responsiveness to registrants and registrars. When the registry does these things well, the namespace thrives and consumers benefit from the innovation and trust that follows.
- What do you anticipate your proposed TLD will add to the current space in terms of competition, differentiation or innovation.
This new TLD is highly differentiated from existing generic and community-sponsored TLDs in terms of the affinity, context and accessibility that it affords to registrants. As such, it presents a credible and desirable competitor to existing TLDs and ultimately benefits registrants, their audience, and the supporting ecosystem of registrars and value-added service providers that engage this group with new products and services.
The .moto TLD will also incorporate the innovative consumer and rights protections measures outlined earlier in this question, further adding value above and beyond the current namespace.
- What goal does your proposed TLD have in terms of user experience?
Prospective registrants will encounter an easily understood and openly accessible registration process. Whether they are rights holders protecting their trademarks in the sunrise period or acquirers of domains during the period of general availability, each registrant will encounter a clear, responsive, dependable and consistent approach to the provision of registry services through United TLD’s network of domain name registrars.
Consumers, registrants and rights holders will also experience a safer namespace due to the implementation and enforcement of numerous innovative protection mechanisms.
- Provide a complete description of the applicant’s intended registration policies in support of the goals listed above.
United TLD will be inclusive in its registration policies for this broad and generic TLD. We will not limit registrant eligibility for second-level registrations and will provide registration services to all legitimate registrants. However, we may elect to reserve and hold back certain strings from second-level registration at the time we launch the TLD.
We will not tolerate illegal activity in this TLD and will have strict policies and enforcement that provide for takedown or other appropriate forms of remedy. United TLD will adhere to and uphold all ICANN-required registration policies and comply with the requirements of the registration policy portion of the Registry Agreement.
- Will the TLD impose measures for protecting privacy of confidential information of registrants or users? If so, describe.
As described in our response to Q. 30, United TLD will provide a safe and secure environment for protecting confidential registration and user data.
United TLD will cooperate with government authorities to the extent required to comply with all applicable laws regarding privacy and data protection.
We anticipate permitting the use of proxy and privacy services for registrations in this TLD in a manner consistent with the limitations provided in our response to Qs. 28 and 29 in the technical portion of the application. We believe these proxy and privacy services provide a valuable option to potentially protect registrants from identity theft, spam and other online perils.
- Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will achieve your projected benefits.
United TLD intends to publicly promote .moto in order to educate prospective registrants and registrars about the existence, marketplace value and availability of the TLD.
Awareness will be created through the appropriate mix of media relations, social media outreach, advertising, educational tools and the amplification of key messages by key influencers and distribution partners.
Innovation will be fostered by actively participating in industry level conversations and encouraging ecosystem participants to pursue the development of uniquely valuable goods and services.
Expanded choice will be achieved as the TLD is made available through an active network of registrars and resellers of registrars that are engaged to distribute second-level domains to a broad audience.
Value and trust will be reinforced by the frequent and visible promotion of positive and noteworthy examples of the .moto TLD being used in practice by registrants.
18(c). What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?
Q18c, Char 1368
What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs. (eg time or financial resource costs, as well as various types of consumer vulnerabilities)
- How will multiple applications for a particular domain name be resolved, for example, by auction or on a first-come, first-served basis?
In the Sunrise phase of the launch of .moto, we will offer the ability for validated rights holders to reserve the corresponding second-level names. If there are competing applications from multiple validated rights holders, we will conduct an electronic auction.
- Explain any cost benefits for registrants that you intend to implement (e.g. advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts)
The .moto TLD may be offered with discounted pricing for multi-year registrations. In some instances, bulk purchasing pricing may be offered as well.
- Do you intend to make contractual commitments to registrants regarding price escalations? If so, describe.
United TLD will comply with ICANN-specified requirements for advance notice of renewal price increases, advance notice of price increases for initial registration pricing and the allowance of registrants to renew for up to ten years at the current price.
We do not intend to make contractual commitments to registrants regarding pricing.