.htc New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: HTC corporation
String: htc
Originally Posted: 13 June 2012
Application ID: 1-1658-26594
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
HTC corporation
- Address of the principal place of business
No.23, Xinghua Rd., Taoyuan City
Taoyuan County 330
TW
- Phone number
+886 33753252
- Fax number
+886 33770894
- If applicable, website or URL
http:⁄⁄www.htc.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Mr. David Liu
6(b). Title
President
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+886 225319696
6(e). Fax Number
+886 225319522
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Ms. Vicky Tu
7(b). Title
CEO
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+886 225319696
7(e). Fax Number
+886 225319522
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).
Law:The Company Law of the Republic of China
Nation:Taiwan(R.O.C.)
Jurisdiction:Taiwan(R.O.C.)
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.
Taiwan_SE_Corp;2498
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
Chen, Wen-Chi Director
Chen-Kuo,Lin Independent Director
Cho,Hoe-To Director
David Bruce Yoffie Director
Josef Anton Felder Independent Director
Tan,Ho Chen Director
Wang,Hsiueh-hong Chairman
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Chen,Wen Chun Chief Engineering Officer
Chou,Hsien Chen Chief Information Officer
Florian Seiche President- EMEA Region
Jason Buchanan Mackenzie President- North America & Latin America
John C. Wang Chief Marketing Officer
kouji augustine kodera Chief Product Officer
Kyu,Yone-Myint Chief Executive Officer & President
Liu,Ching-Tung President of Engineering and Operations
Matthew Vincent Costello Chief Operating Officer
YUNG,KOK SANG WINSTON Chief Financial Officer
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.
htc
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.
In order to ensure that there are no known operational or rendering problems concerning the applied-for .htc gTLD, the following efforts have been made by HTC Corporation:
16.1 Rendering Problem
HTC Corporation foresees no known rendering issues in connection with the proposed .htc string which it is seeking to apply for as a gTLD. This answer is based upon consultation with HTC Corporation’s preferred backend provider, Neustar, which has successfully launched a number of new gTLDs over the last decade. In reaching this determination, the following data points were analyzed:
- ICANN’s Security Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) entitled Alternative TLD Name Systems and Roots: Conflict, Control and Consequences (SAC009);
- IAB - RFC3696 “Application Techniques for Checking and Transformation of Names”
- Known software issues which Neustar has encountered during the last decade launching new gTLDs;
- Character type and length;
- ICANN supplemental notes to Question 16; and
- ICANN’s presentation during its Costa Rica regional meeting on TLD Universal Acceptance.
HTC Corporation will launch ASCII domain name first. Afterwards, we will launch IDN services step by step, language by language, strictly following the IDN standards of IETF and IDN guidelines issued by ICANN. In the meanwhile, HTC has elected to partner with Neustar to provide IDN solutions. The response to Question 44 provides specific IDN information.
16.2 Working Group of Registry
The Working Group of Registry is the highest decision-making body in charge of the management and operation of .htc registry. The member of the group is dedicated to the full compliance of ICANN’s policies and rules and its duties and responsibilities arising under the ICANN-Registry Agreement. To achieve the missions and goals of .htc registry, the Working Group of Registry is composed of several members representing diversified qualifications and expertise.
16.3 Operational Resources
Subject to the supervision of the Working Group of Registry, the daily management and operation of .htc registry is headed by the Executive Officer of Registry. In addition, diversified expertise and experiences are secured by collaboration with HTC Corporation’s business partners such as Neustar and Net-Chinese.
HTC Corporation has elected to partner with Neustar to provide back-end services for the .htc registry. In making this decision, HTC Corporation recognizes that Neustar already possesses a production-proven registry system that can be quickly deployed and smoothly operated over its robust, flexible, and scalable world-class infrastructure.
In the meanwhile, HTC Corporation has chosen Net-Chinese as an operational consultant for the .htc registry. Net-Chinese deploys superior technology and service capability in the professional domain name registration business and has been accredited by many TLDs registries. Net-Chinese now provides for more than 170 ccTLDs and almost all gTLDs registration.
- (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.
The missions and purposes of the proposed .htc gTLD are described as follow:
18.1.1 The .htc gTLD to Promote Brand Values
Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation, formerly High Tech Computer Corporation, is a Taiwanese manufacturer of smartphones. HTC Corporation began designing the worldʹs first touch and wireless hand-held devices in 1998. The company has a rich heritage of many ʺfirstsʺ, including creating the first Microsoft-powered smartphone in 2002 and the first Microsoft 3G phone in 2005. Their first major product was made in 2000 and was one of the worldʹs first touch screen smartphones. They started producing 3G-capable phones in early 2005 and made the worldʹs first Android phone in 2008, the HTC Dream. In June 2010, the company launched the HTC Evo 4G, the first 4G-capable phone in the United States.
Since June 2006, under its own HTC Corporation brand, HTC Corporation is one of the fastest-growing companies in the mobile sector and has achieved remarkable recognition over the past couple of years. Business Week ranked HTC Corporation as the second best performing technology company in Asia in 2007 as well as giving the company the number 3 spot in its global listing in 2006. With dozens of HTC-branded products around the world, in 2010 HTC Corporation sold over 24.6 million handsets, up 111% over 2009. HTC Corporation was named the ʺDevice Manufacturer of the Yearʺ for 2011 by the GSMA at the Mobile World Congress on February 11, 2011. In April 2011, the companyʹs market value surpassed that of Nokia to become the third largest smartphone maker in the world, behind only Apple and Samsung. In the 2011 Best Global Brands rankings released by Interbrand, HTC Corporation was listed at No.98 and valued at $3.6 billion. Based on researcher Canalys, in Q3 2011 HTC Corporation became the largest smartphone vendor in the U.S. by 24 %, ahead of Samsungʹs 21 %, Appleʹs 20 % and BlackBerryʹs 9 %.
By introducing the .htc gTLD into the domain name space, HTC Corporation endeavors to build up its brand awareness and trademark values on the Internet to promote competition, consumer trust and consumer choice, which is one of ICANNʹs key commitments in the domain name market.
18.1.2 The .htc gTLD to Spur Smartphone Innovations
HTC Corporation is known for its smartphone innovations. It is constantly broadening the range of devices it offers – introducing devices to support specific applications and new form factors that meet the increasingly diverse needs of its customers and partners. HTC Corporationʹs product portfolio offers easy-to-use solutions that embrace the full range of mobile multimedia resources, wireless anytime and internet on the go.
It has a rich heritage of ʹfirstsʹ in smartphone innovations just to name a few: First Microsoft powered Smartphone (2002), First Microsoft Smart Music Phone (2004), First Microsoft 3G Phone (2005), First Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Platform Phone (2005), First Microsoft Windows 5.0 Smartphone (2006). In early 2006, HTC Corporation launched the HTC Advantage, which is the world’s most powerful office, boasting a 5ʺ screen and full detachable QWERTY keyboard. This was followed in early 2007 by the HTC Shift equipped with Windows Vista, a brilliant 7-inch widescreen touch display and a 40 gigabyte hard drive. HTC Corporation launched the HTC Touch in June 2007, which enables consumers just to sweep their finger across the screen to get access to the most commonly used content, contacts and features in a simple finger flick.
HTC Corporation was listed as the fastest-growing high-tech company in Business Weekʹs Info Tech 100. Initially founded as an OEM company, today HTC Corporation designs, manufactures, markets and sells smartphones under its own brand, HTC. In 2012, HTC Corporation becomes the 98th top brand in the Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2011 report. On February 17, 2010, Fast Company ranked HTC Corporation as the 31st most innovative company in the world.
Nowadays, smartphones work not only as a cell phone for communication, but also as a mobile device for connecting users with people, content and all the unexpected. By introducing the .htc gTLD into the domain name space, HTC Corporation endeavors to produce powerful handsets that continually push the boundaries of innovations and provide its customers with true mobile freedom in the way they live their lives.
18.1.3The .htc gTLD to Enhance Customer Services
One of HTC Corporationʹs missions is to become the leading innovative supplier of mobile information and communication devices by providing value-added design, world-class manufacturing and logistics services. HTC Corporation is committed to driving the growth and capabilities of smartphone technology. Since its establishment, the company has developed strong R&D capabilities, pioneered many new designs and product innovations and launched state-of-the-art smartphones for operators and distributors in the global telecommunications industry.
Starting in 2009, the company launched the HTC Sense interface for the platform with the HTC Hero. HTC Sense is supported by 3 creative pillars of design, Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected, which put the users at the center of designing smartphones, taking personalization to a whole new level.
By introducing of the .htc gTLD into the domain name space, HTC Corporation will potentially change the way people find information on the Internet or how businesses plan and structure their online presence. It will also help enhance customer services by creating innovative identity on the Internet for HTC Corporation.
18(b). How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18.2.1 What is the Goal of Your Proposed gTLD in Terms of Areas of Specialty, Service Levels, or Reputation?
Areas of Specialty
In the 2011 Best Global Brands rankings released by Interbrand, HTC Corporation was listed at No.98 and valued at $3.6 billion. Based on researcher Canalys, in Q3 2011 HTC became the largest smartphone vendor in the U.S. by 24 %, ahead of Samsungʹs 21 %, Appleʹs 20 % and BlackBerryʹs 9 %. HTC is known for its specialty in smartphone innovations. It is constantly broadening the range of devices it offers – introducing devices to support specific applications and new form factors that meet the increasingly diverse needs of its customers and partners.
Service Levels
As an applicant for a New gTLD, HTC Corporation is, in fact, applying to create and operate a registry business supporting the Internetʹs domain name system. This involves a number of significant responsibilities as the operator of a New gTLD Registry. Therefore, HTC will provide the Registry Services as required in the ICANN-Registry Agreement. HTC has elected to partner with Neustar to provide back-end services for the .htc registry.
Reputation
HTC Corporation is the core of all its business partners and product users. By introducing the .htc gTLD into the domain name space, mobile telecom operators, software developers, hardware suppliers, global distributors and smartphone vendors around the world may seek to establish presence on the Internet with an HTC new identity instead of simply under ccTLDs or gTLDs. For the customers of HTC, it is easier and more convenient for them to identify the brand name of HTC and distinguish the products and services from alternative hand-held mobile device manufacturers. By introducing the .htc gTLD into the domain name space, HTC endeavors to continue to build up its reputation and trademark values on the Internet.
18.2.2 What do You Anticipate Your Proposed gTLD Will Add to the Current Space, in Terms of Competition, Differentiation, or Innovation?
Competition
As the Internet is playing a dominant role in the telecommunications industry, each member of the industry looks beyond the local or regional markets. An online identity is critical and an international domain is a logical next growth step. For example, if a company establishes a headquarters in Shanghai, a “.cn” address may be best for communicating with prospective clients in China. However, when this company sells HTC Corporation smartphones, an “.htc” address reinforces the broader scope of their market.
A new .htc gTLD provides specific services for a specialized community that has unique needs not otherwise served by a ccTLD or other existing gTLDs. The introduction or expansion of gTLDs with “.htc” has promoted competition, consumer trust and consumer choice.
Differentiation While current gTLDs tend to focus on a generic community such as commercial entities, network providers, organizations, museums, cooperatives, etc. within the global Internet, .htc gTLD will embrace a horizontal perspective with a clear brand name to reach and enrich the broad global community.
Unlike ccTLDs also, which provides for a local audience, .htc gTLD will allow the user to express a brand relevance in order to identify the brand name of HTC Corporation and distinguish the products and services from alternative hand-held mobile device manufacturers.
Innovation
The introduction or expansion of gTLDs with .htc has promoted innovation in the domain name market by using the brand name of HTC Corporation to connect HTC business partners with HTC product users.
Since one of the goals for HTC Corporation to register .htc gTLD is to promote its own brand reputation and enhance customer services, the names for its own products or services such as 〈dream.product.htc〉〈advantage.product.htc〉〈touch.product.htc〉, or〈sense.service.htc〉etc. will be reserved. The .htc registry will refuse to accept applications from members of the general public for the domain names mentioned above.
18.2.3 What Goals Does Your Proposed gTLD Have in Terms of User Experience?
“.htc” is a highly recognizable string that is short, easy to remember, versatile but specific and focused on the HTC Corporation identity. It captures the essence of the community served and is a sustainable phrase that will not easily become obsolete. “.htc” traverses a broad region yet elicits a clear concept and coherence of the community, providing registrants tremendous value in establishing an Internet presence with global recognition and regional significance.
HTC Corporation is the core of all its business partners and product users. By introducing the .htc gTLD into the domain name space, mobile telecom operators, software developers, hardware suppliers, global distributors and smartphone vendors around the world may seek to establish presence on the Internet with an HTC new identity instead of simply under ccTLDs or gTLDs. For the users of the .htc gTLD, it is easier and more convenient for them to identify the brand name of HTC Corporation and distinguish the products and services from alternative hand-held mobile device manufacturers.
18.2.4 Provide a Complete Description of the Applicant’s Intended Registration Policies in Support of the Goals Listed Above
Launch Timeline
- Registry Reserved Names
The Registry has reserved certain names from registration in the .htc gTLD, including, without limitation, the names appearing on the list of ICANN reserved gTLD names and names reserved by the Registry for its own purposes, to comply with ICANN Requirements, and for use by third parties.
- HTC Corporation Customer Identification Number Application
The HTC Corporation Customer Identification Number is a valid ID number for products or services issued by HTC Corporation. This Process will be operational before commencement of Sunrise Period, and available thereafter on an ongoing basis. The process is designed to confirm the status and validate contact information for prospective registrants who are customers of HTC. There is no charge to Applicants to complete the application process. Prospective registrants who do not have a valid ID number for products or services would not be qualified to apply for a name under the .htc gTLD.
- Sunrise Period
This is a pre-launch opportunity for any customer with a valid ID number for products or services to submit Registration Requests for .htc names corresponding to their registered trademarks in use. The Registry will use the Trademark Clearinghouse to support its pre-launch period rights protection mechanisms (RPMs). These RPMs will consist of a Trademark Claims Service and a Sunrise Period.
- General Availability
Following the opening of general registrations: anyone who has a valid ID number for products or services may apply on a first-come, first-served basis to register .htc names.
Registration of .htc Names
Registration Requests for .htc names may be submitted only by an Accredited Registrar. The Registry will not accept a Registration Request for an .HTC Corporation name unless it meets the technical and syntax requirements promulgated by ICANN. The Registry may reject a Registration Request, or may delete, revoke, suspend, cancel or transfer a Registration in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Registry-Registrant Agreement.
Term
.htc names may be registered for a period of no less than one (1) year and no more than ten (10) years, commencing on the date on which the Registration Request submitted by the Accredited Registrar is created by the Registry. All Registration Requests must specify the registration period. It is the obligation of the Accredited Registrar, and not the Registry, to notify a Registrant in advance of the termination or expiration of a Registration. Before the cloud integrated services are complete and the system is stable, the .htc names may only be registered for 1 year. The estimation of the domain name volume in Q46 is based on the premise.
Payment to the Registry
Notwithstanding the pre-launch period where all the applications will be free of charge, the Registry will not accept a Registration Request, and will not renew a Registration at the end of the applicable Term unless it has received payment in full from the applicable Accredited Registrar. Names subject to a Registration Request, or names that result in a Registration will be released in accordance with Registry Policies and ICANN Requirements.
Registry-Registrant Agreement
Prior to submitting a Registration Request, the Accredited Registrar must secure the affirmative consent of the Applicant to the terms and conditions of the Registry-Registrant Agreement, as amended from time to time and posted on the Registry Website.
Trademark Claims Notice
At the close of the Sunrise Period, if more than one Sunrise application is made for a domain name, all Sunrise Applicants for that domain name will be notified of the claims made by the other Sunrise Applicants for that name.
By submitting a Registration Request, Applicant agrees that the Registry and⁄or its authorized Trademark Clearinghouse is authorized to share information relating to Applicant’s Registration Request with other applicants, as indicated in the Trademark Claims Notice above. In the event any Sunrise Applicant proceeds with a Registration Request, such Applicant will be deemed on notice of the Trademark Claims submitted by the other Sunrise Applicant(s) and may not claim lack of notice with regard to such Applicant(s) in any subsequent dispute proceeding.
Certification ⁄ Liability
All Registration Requests must include the Applicant’s certification, representation, and warranty that the request is compliant with the relevant Sunrise requirements. Requests that do not contain the required certification and warranty will be rejected by the Registry.
By submitting a Registration Request, Applicants acknowledge, agree, and accept sole and direct liability for damages suffered by any third party injured as a consequence of a Registration Request of a name in the .htc gTLD under this policy.
Determinations
The determinations of the Registry and its authorized Trademark Clearinghouse regarding any Registration Requests shall be final and non-appealable; provided, however, that such determination will not affect rights Applicants may have under applicable law, ICANN policies, or Registry-provided dispute resolution procedures.
- GENERAL AVAILABILITY
During General Availability, Registration Requests made by anyone with a valid ID number for products or services for Available Names will be allocated by the Registry through Accredited Registrars on a first-come, first-served basis subject to the Registry Policies and ICANN Requirements.
- PREVENTING ABUSIVE REGISTRATIONS
The Registry will authenticate customers with a valid ID number for products or services, as part of the name registration process. As part of this process, the Registry will validate contact information for the Registrant, secure the Registrant’s affirmative consent to the Registry-Registrant Agreement, and issue unique Membership Credentials. The Customer ID Number Application process must be completed before a domain name is permitted to resolve in the .htc gTLD.
All Registrants agree to participate in and abide by any determinations made as part the Registry’s dispute resolution procedures, including the Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP), the Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS), and ICANN‘s Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP).
The Registry has selected a neutral third-party as its dispute resolution service provider for the CEDRP, URS, and UDRP procedures. The detailed rules, procedures, and fees for the dispute resolution service provider will be published on the Registry Website.
18.2.5 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.
HTC Corporation understands how important privacy or confidential information is to registrants or users. This privacy policy explains how we process information that identifies registrants or users personally, when registrants or users.:
- visit websites operated by HTC Corporation (“Registry Websites”);
- apply for HTC Corporation Customer Identification Number; or
- register for .htc Domain Names.
This privacy policy applies only to Personal Information that HTC Corporation collects from and about registrants or users. It does not apply to information collected by domain name registrars or third parties when registrants or users apply to register an .htc domain name with them nor does it apply to information collected on third party sites that registrants or users may access via a link on Registry Websites.
By using Registry Websites or services, including without limitation by registering or reserving an .htc domain name, registrants or users consent to the collection, use, processing, and transfer of registrants or users’ Personal Information in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy. Registrants or users consent to the collection, use, processing, and⁄or disclosure of registrants or users’ sensitive information and their Personal Information in accordance with the provisions of this Privacy Policy. If registrants or users are visiting the Registry Website from a country other than the country in which the Registry servers are located, including without limitation visiting from the European Union, registrants or users’ communications with the Registry may result in the transfer of their sensitive information as well as their Personal Information across international boundaries; registrants or users consent to such transfer.
Information Registrants or Users Provided on Registry Websites
HTC Corporation collects Personal Information that registrants or users directly provide on any Registry Websites, for example, when registrants or users submit a question or comment, request to receive updates from HTC, or submit information regarding registrants or users’ interest in an .htc name. HTC also collects information that registrants or users post on public forums or in chat rooms on Registry Websites.
Information Collected Automatically on Registry Websites
When registrants or users visit Registry Websites, HTC Corporation servers automatically log certain information including without limitation: the type of browser registrants or users are using, IP address, other information about registrants or users’ geographic location, and the domain name of registrants or users’ Internet service provider.
HTC Corporation’s servers also log information about registrants or users’ activity on Registry Websites, including without limitation the time and date of their visits, the pages they view on any Registry Website, registrants or users’ responses to offerings and advertisements (if any) presented on the Registry Websites, and the searches you perform, including without limitation any WHOIS searches.
Unless HTC Corporation has provided Personal Information directly, for example by registering for updates, HTC cannot and does not attempt to use log data to identify registrants or users personally.
Use of Personal Information Collected on Registry Websites
HTC Corporation uses Personal Information collected on all Registry Websites to operate and improve those Registry Websites, to fulfill registrants or users’ requests and respond to their inquiries, to understand how registrants or users use the Registry Websites, and to personalize the content and advertisements registrants or users see on those Registry Websites.
Collection, Use, & Disclosure of Personal Information from Domain Name Registrants
HTC Corporation collects Personal Information when registrants or users apply for HTC Corporation ID number for services as well as when they apply to register a .htc domain name through any of our approved registrars.
Information Collected in Connection with Domain Name Registration
HTC Corporation collects registrants or users’ personal information with regard to Customer ID Number application, trademark rights Information, registration Information, and monitoring Information.
Use of Information Collected for Domain Name Registrations
HTC Registry uses registrants or users’ personal information with regard to Customer ID Number application, trademark rights Information, registration Information and monitoring Information to process registrants or users’ application for Customer ID Number. HTC also uses this information to operate its business in the ordinary course, improve HTCʹs products and services, develop new products and services, and, if registrants or users are a member, to inform registrants or users about products and services that may be of interest to them.
Disclosure of Personal Information
HTC Corporation discloses Registration Information to the public in the form of Whois records, as required by ICANN. HTC does not disclose registrants or users’ age related information, credit card information, or other supplemental information used to validate registrants or users’ ID number for products or services to the public in the form of Whois records. HTC may disclose other Personal Information or Trademark Rights Information to fulfill registrants or users’ requests for products and services, to respond to registrants or users’ inquiries, to third parties as necessary to deliver services associated with operating a website in the .htc gTLD.
HTC Corporation does not share registrants or users’ sensitive information, Personal Information, ID number for products or services, Trademark Rights Information, or Registration Information with third parties without registrants or users’ affirmative consent unless it is required otherwise.
HTC Corporation may use agents and contractors in order to help operate the Registry Websites, provide HTCʹs product and service offerings, and to operate HTCʹs business. registrants or users expressly consent to the sharing of their Personal Information with HTC’s agents, contractors and service providers under the premise that, if HTC’s agents and contractors have access to registrants or users’ Personal Information, they are contractually required to safeguard that information and prohibited from using that information for any other purpose.
18.2.6 Describe Whether and in What Ways Outreach and Communications Will Help to Achieve Your Projected Benefits.
As a listed company at the Taiwan Stock Exchange, it is HTC Corporation’s legal duty to make the corporate information available to the public by regularly holding press conferences and other activities to strengthen public relations. HTC often announces company- related news and corporate annual reports for public information. Besides these PR campaigns, HTC launches from time to time marketing initiatives to gain favorable publicity, including traditional, on-lined and TV advertisements. HTC leverages with different media to target diversified customers. The name of HTC has been referred to by the media more than a hundred thousand times a year. In February, 2012 alone, there is almost twenty thousand news coverage related to HTC. Good public relations with the society may improve our communication with the customers, promote our i-cloud services, and further benefit our world.
As a leading front runner in the smartphone industry, HTC Corporation always remains the center of social attention and the most popular topic among stock investors and smart phone users. HTC will further leverage this new marketing tool, .htc gTLD domain names, to promote the newly launched i-cloud services of HTC Corporation to its customers. HTC will utilize integrated one-stop services to connect .htc domain names with the unexplored needs of customers.
18(c). What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?
18.3.1 How Will Multiple Applications for a Particular Domain Name be Resolved, for Example, by Auction or on a First-Come⁄First Serve Basis?
To resolve multiple applications for a particular domain name, .htc gTLD Registry will implement its registration policy and launch timeline, aside from certain names reserved for the Registry.
Sunrise Period
This is a pre-launch opportunity for customers with a valid ID number for products or services to submit Registration Requests for .htc names corresponding to their registered trademarks in use. The Registry will use the Trademark Clearinghouse to support its pre-launch period rights protection mechanisms (RPMs). These RPMs will consist of a Trademark Claims Service and a Sunrise Period.
General Availability
Following the opening of general registrations: anyone with a valid ID number for products or services may apply on a first-come, first-served basis to register .htc names.
Premium Names
The Registry may allocate Premium Names from time to time in its discretion via (i) request for proposal; (ii) auction; and⁄or (iii) other reasonable mechanisms.
UDRP
HTC Corporation is firmly committed to the protection of trademark rights and to implement the mandatory rights protection mechanisms contained in the Applicant Guidebook and detailed in Specification 7 of the ICANN-Registry Agreement. A neutral dispute resolution service provider will be engaged by the .htc registry in domain name dispute resolution in compliance with UDRP and Rules of UDRP promulgated by ICANN and its own supplementary rules.
18.3.2 Explain any Cost Benefits for Registrants You Intend to Implement (e.g., Advantageous Pricing, Introductory Discounts, Bulk Registration Discounts).
Pre-launch Period
During the pre-launch period, there certain names reserved by the Registry for the exclusive registration of HTC Corporation and HTC Corporation’s business partners, including but not limited to world mobile telecom operators, software developers, hardware partners, global distributors and smartphone vendors, to establish their online HTC Corporation identity. It is free of charge to provide incentives in the promotion of pre-launch registrations.
In order to promote i-cloud services and .htc registrations, registration of .htc names is also free of charge for any HTC Corporation customer with a valid ID number for products or services during the Sunrise Period.
The cost of registration for the pre-launch period and the Sunrise Period will be taken care of by HTC Corporation out of its own yearly budgets for the management and operation of .htc gTLD.
General Availability
During the period for General Availability, HTC Corporation will offer cost benefits for registrants such as advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts or any other price incentives subject to various promotion campaigns. HTC Corporation will leverage with its business partners for all kinds of promotion campaigns, including world mobile telecom operators, software developers, hardware partners, global distributors and smartphone vendors.
18.3.3 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 Plans.
HTC Corporation strongly believes that a good business relationship with all the Accredited Registrars will ensure the successful management and operation of .htc registry. HTC Corporation will honor its commitment under the Registry Agreement, which 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, HTC Corporation will also honor its commitment under the Registry Agreement, which requires advance written notice of price increases. Yes, HTC Corporation will make contractual commitments to registrants regarding the magnitude of price escalation.
HTC Corporation will not only adopt a transparent pricing policy, but also give our customers a three-month prior notice before any price escalation becomes effective. To assure that our customers will be timely informed, HTC Corporation will notify them by e-mail, i-cloud webpage, and official website announcement. HTC Corporation also promises that any price escalation will only take effect for our new customers and that the interests of our existing customers will not be compromised in any way.