.chrome New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Charleston Road Registry Inc.
String: chrome
Originally Posted: 13 June 2012
Application ID: 1-1683-38963
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Charleston Road Registry Inc.
- Address of the principal place of business
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View 94043
US
- Phone number
16502530000
- Fax number
1 650 253 0001
- If applicable, website or URL
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Sarah Falvey
6(b). Title
Senior Policy Analyst
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
1 202 346 1230
6(e). Fax Number
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Chris Iannuccilli
7(b). Title
Director of Marketing
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
1 650 253 2903
7(e). Fax Number
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).
State of Delaware (General Corporations Code)
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.
Google Inc.
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
Christine Flores Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Christine Flores CEO, President, and Secretary
Donald S. Harrison Assistant Secretary
James Marocco CFO and Treasurer
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
Google Inc. 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.
chrome
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.
While the string for which Charleston Road Registry (CRR) is applying, .chrome is not an IDN and, therefore, does not contain characters which require mixed right-to-left or left-to-right functionalities, CRR has nonetheless familiarized itself with the requirements and components of the IDNA protocol by reviewing the relevant RFCs and the relevant background information found on the ICANN IDN Wiki. CRR has also tested the .chrome string for rendering issues; none were found.
- (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.
18.a. Mission⁄Purpose of the Proposed gTLD
Charleston Road Registry is an American company, wholly owned by Google, which was established to provide registry services to the Internet public. Google is an American multinational public corporation and global technology leader focused on improving the ways its hundreds of millions of users connect with information. Since its formation, Google has been developing technology that can improve upon existing ways of doing business on the Internet. Google provides a variety of services and tools for Internet users and advertisers of all sizes, from simple search features and local ads to enterprise-scale business applications and global advertising solutions. These tools make it easier for people to make use of the world’s information and enable entrepreneurs and publishers around the world to grow their businesses.
In line with Google’s general mission, Charleston Road Registry’s mission is to help make information universally accessible and useful by extending the utility of the DNS while enhancing the performance, security and stability of the Internet for users worldwide. Charleston Road Registry aspires to create unique web spaces where users can learn about Google products, services and information in a targeted manner and in ways never before seen on the Internet. Its business objective is to manage Google’s gTLD portfolio and Google’s registry operator business. As discussed further in the responses to question 23 and 31, Charleston Road Registry intends to outsource all critical registry functions to Google Registry Services.
The proposed gTLD will provide Google with direct association to its trademarked term, ʺchrome,ʺ which refers to the Google Chrome operating system and freeware web browser. Google Chrome had over 200 million active users as of fall 2011. The mission of this gTLD, .chrome, is to provide a dedicated domain space in which Google can enact second-level domains that offer content, products and⁄or services that develop or promote the Chrome ecosystem. Specifically, the new gTLD will provide Google with greater ability to categorize its present Chrome locations online and provide a more recognizable, branded, trusted web space to the general Internet population.
18(b). How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18.b. Benefits to Registrants, Internet Users, and Others
18.b.i.1. Specialty
Charleston Road Registry intends to operate the proposed gTLD as a closed registry with Google as the sole registrar and registrant. The goal of the proposed gTLD is to allow Google to manage the domain name space for its Chrome offerings. The proposed gTLD will provide Google with the ability to customize its domain and website names for its Chrome offerings to signal to the general population of Internet users that its .chrome websites are indeed managed by Google. The specialization goal of the proposed gTLD is to extend the Chrome brand and reputation to each dedicated domain space. This specialization provides a mechanism by which Google can easily link its Chrome products and services. This will allow Google to actively manage its Chrome brand presence as well as the introduction and phase out of spaces for new or retiring services. This specialization makes it clear to Internet users that this is the authoritative and designated space where they can find Chrome-related information, goods and services offered solely by Google, accessible via differentiated and streamlined web addresses.
18.b.i.2. Service Levels
Through its association with Google, Charleston Road Registry is uniquely positioned to enable and support the proposed gTLD by providing its service reliability and speed of delivery as a part of its services. Google brings unique expertise and a proven record of excellence in infrastructure operations: Google now runs the biggest DNS system in the world, has industry-leading uptime on its services, such as web search, and offers enterprise services on which governments and businesses depend.
Charleston Road Registry’s service level goal for the proposed gTLD is to ensure that, Google, as the sole registrar and registrant, is supported in delivering the high level of quality, speed, and service to users for which it is known. Indeed, two of Google’s core principles in providing Internet search and related goods and services are “focus on the user and all else will follow” and “fast is better than slow.”
In focusing on the user, Google strives to provide the best user experience possible. Google will continue to operate under this principle when designing new offerings and providing goods and services within the proposed gTLD.
Google keeps speed in mind with each new product it releases, from faster mobile applications to improved Web browsers designed for rapid search and navigation. Google continues to devote its resources to improving speed and efficiency. In managing the proposed gTLD, Google expects to keep its service reliability and speed to this standard through direct management of all technical infrastructure related to DNS resolution other than the operation of the root servers.
Charleston Road Registry is committed to using the most technologically advanced, secure, and reliable registry and registrar services for all of the domain names within the gTLD so as to not compromise the service levels, security, and stability of the gTLD to users across the globe.
18.b.i.3. Reputation
Google has a proven record of providing high-quality, secure online services. Charleston Road Registry seeks to enhance Google’s reputation for excellence, superior quality, and high level of security and to become known as an exemplary domain name services provider.
When Internet users visit a domain name in the proposed gTLD, they will be able to reliably expect and experience the high level of security and quality upon which Google’s reputation has been built.
The registry will be structured so that only Google registers and manages domain names in the gTLD for Chrome entities, that those domain names are used for only Chrome-related purposes, and that the registry is responsive to legal rights owners (if applicable).
In addition, Charleston Road Registry intends to apply for an exemption to ICANN’s Registry Operator Code of Conduct and operate the proposed gTLD with Google as the sole registrar and registrant. This facilitates Google’s ability to further enhance the reputation of its trademarked brand.
18.b.ii.1. Competition
Charleston Road Registry supports the advancement of registry operators as a whole and the diffusion of gTLDs amongst diverse stakeholders to generate increased competition for the benefit of the Internet public. Increased competition will result in more competitive prices for consumers, additional efficiencies, and increased productivity in enterprises, and spur innovation in the gTLD space.
.chrome will operate as a closed gTLD. It will provide Google with the opportunity to differentiate and innovate upon its Chrome products and services through its use of the gTLD. This will promote competition in the gTLD space by inciting competitors to respond with improved gTLD operations, greater range and higher quality products and services, and⁄or the creation of their own respective gTLDs, to the benefit of all Internet users. Launching the proposed gTLD will also generate increased competition in the online marketplace by adding incremental availability to the second-level domain pool.
18.b.ii.2. Differentiation
The proposed gTLD will clearly be differentiated from other gTLDs due to its purposefully limited scope. This differentiation includes: (1) uniqueness in terms of the users the proposed gTLD seeks to benefit; (2) a clear indicator that second-level domains within the gTLD offer a particular, targeted content; (3) and that Google and Charleston Road Registry’s affiliates will be able to affix Google’s well-known brand to second-level domains, and as a result Internet users will immediately know the source of the gTLD.
The gTLD will provide an authoritative environment for the exclusive provision of the range of Chrome content, goods, and services to Internet users. New, higher quality products offered in the gTLD will also attract new users to the Google offering.
The .chrome gTLD provides Google with the opportunity to differentiate its online content by linking its offerings to a unique gTLD, signaling to users that this is a Google Chrome owned and operated space. This signification is not currently available in the gTLD space. Google will be able to quickly distinguish new products and services it develops and⁄or acquires by offering them in the proposed gTLD.
The gTLD will also allow Google to more securely work in communities where access to dependable and safe online services are limited or fragmented and provides the opportunity to reach a broader cross-section of current and potential global Internet users.
18.b.ii.3. Innovation
Through innovation and iteration, Google consistently aims to improve upon technologies that connect people with information. One of its core principles is “great isn’t good enough.” One example of this belief in action is Google’s introduction of Gmail storage capacity far exceeding other email service providers’ capacity limits at the time, which eventually led to substantially improved offerings from a wide range of providers. Google is committed to anticipating needs not yet articulated by its global audience, and meeting them with products and services that set new standards.
The proposed gTLD will spur further innovation at Google by providing an accelerated platform for the introduction of new offerings to the public. The proposed gTLD will also provide a mechanism for enhanced branding and management of Google content, products, and services.
The proposed gTLD, .chrome, will promote innovation by encouraging competitors of Google Chrome to provide linkages that fulfill the same need as Google Chrome will provide with its offerings. In addition, Google Chrome may choose to innovate its portfolio of web spaces with distinguishing feature(s) that will further crystallize the relationship between content offered in the gTLD and the Google Chrome brand and reputation. This will likely invite user comparison among domain sites, encouraging competitor feature and service innovation as a point of differentiation.
18.b.iii. User Experience
Charleston Road Registry will strive to provide the highest level of user experience through operational stability, security, and performance to serve the interest of registrants in the proposed gTLD. Charleston Road Registry is uniquely positioned to provide this level of experience given its relationship with Google; Google invested over $3 billion in its IT infrastructure in 2011 and maintains a record of excellence in infrastructure operations.
Charleston Road Registry and Google, as the registry operator and registrant respectively, will take great care to ensure that users’ needs are served. Google anticipates that the proposed gTLD will provide its users around the globe with Chrome services in a more stable, secure, and expedient manner than ever before.
The .chrome gTLD will provide Google Chrome with the opportunity to distinguish the web spaces it owns and operates from current spaces online, which will make it easier for Internet users to more efficiently locate Chrome products and services. Users will now be able to clearly identify and select specific sites based on their preferences and readily experience the level of service and content quality they expect from Google.
The proposed gTLD will provide a more trusted and user-friendly environment where domain names and content related to the .chrome gTLD can flourish. Charleston Road Registry seeks to have users deem the gTLD trustworthy and reliable and recognize it as an aggregated source of targeted goods, services, and information.
The proposed gTLD, furthermore, facilitates an improved online user experience through greater structure and categorization on the Internet.
18.b.iv. Registration Policies
Charleston Road Registry believes that given its intended use by Google, the .chrome gTLD will best add value to the gTLD space by remaining completely closed for the sole use of Google.
Second-level domain names within the proposed gTLD are intended for registration and use by Google only, and domain names under the new gTLD will not be available to the general public for purchase, sale, or registration. As such, Charleston Road Registry intends to apply for an exemption to the ICANN Registry Operator Code of Conduct as Google is intended to be the sole registrar and registrant.
Charleston Road Registry’s intention is to satisfactorily meet all stated exemption criteria for the operation of a closed gTLD. All domain name registrations in the gTLD will be registered to, and maintained by, Google for its own exclusive use. Charleston Road Registry will only distribute or transfer control or use of any registrations in the gTLD to Google and its affiliates, meaning a person or entity that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the person or entity specified; and “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person or entity, whether through the ownership of securities, as trustee or executor, by serving as an employee or a member of a board of directors or equivalent governing body, by contract, by credit arrangement or otherwise. In providing services that make the worldʹs information universally accessible and useful, Charleston Road Registry believes the public interest is served by Google’s role as the sole registrar and registrant of the gTLD.
Google’s existing business and marketing decision-making channels will define policies and make decisions regarding the registration and use of domain names first and then submit them to Charleston Road Registry for registry approval. The registration and use of domain names in the gTLDs will also be shaped by the abuse prevention and rights protection policies outlined in Responses 28 and 29.
18.b.v. Protection of Privacy and Confidential Information
Charleston Road Registry intends to apply for an exemption to ICANN’s Registry Operator Code of Conduct and operate the proposed gTLD with Google as the sole registrar and registrant.
Charleston Road Registry will strive to ensure the appropriate level of privacy and security will be met for its users. Although Google will be the only registrant (and only registrar) in the gTLD, Charleston Road Registry and its provider of registry services, Google, have imposed measures to help achieve this protection for end users of the domain; additional specifics regarding the practices for the registry include but are not limited to the following:
- Google will restrict access to data and information systems maintained by the registry to a specific list of individuals involved with supporting the Google Registry system in production. Google will review this list on a periodic basis to ensure that the level of access granted to individuals is appropriate. Google uses two-factor authentication and other mechanisms to ensure that staff with access to user information are properly identified prior to using registry systems.
Beyond these specific mechanisms, both Charleston Road Registry and Google will govern its approach to privacy by the Google Privacy Policy. This policy applies to registrars, registrants, and end users of registry services such as DNS zone publication and WHOIS data publication. The Privacy Policy is located at http:⁄⁄www.google.com⁄policies⁄privacy⁄.
18.b.vi. Outreach and Communications Efforts
Once Charleston Road Registry begins developing public-facing resources in its gTLD, it intends to inform the public about the gTLD and the Google-related information, goods, and services available there. Outreach and communication efforts will focus on promoting the fact that all domain names and websites on the proposed gTLD will be operated and backed by Google. Google, as the sole registrar and registrant, will have the opportunity to further advertise and promote this new brand presence to raise user awareness and increase usage of sites in the new gTLD.
Charleston Road Registry intends to promote gTLDs in its portfolio collectively, such that the public gains an awareness and understanding of new gTLDs and the availability of new second-level domain space on the Internet. Charleston Road Registry believes that this approach will make the strongest impact in modifying consumer behavior and is the best path to achieving success for all new gTLDs collectively.
Charleston Road Registry will reach out to the Internet community via a number of different outreach and communications methods and venues to deliver its mission and message to the public, including but not limited to: press briefings, videos posted on various Internet sites, blogs and other social media, and paid advertising. In addition, when developing resources for localized Internet registrars in different global regions, Charleston Road Registry will use local marketing and communications platforms as needed.
18(c). What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?
18.c. Minimizing Social Costs and Other Negative Consequences
18.c.i
Members of the public will not be able to register domain names in this new gTLD. Registration will be managed by Charleston Road Registry, and only a limited number of designated Google personnel will be able to register domain names. If multiple parties associated with Google express an interest in registering the same domain name, the designated personnel will make the decision regarding which internal party’s registration and use of the domain name is a higher business priority.
18.c.ii
Members of the public will not be able to register domain names in this new gTLD. Registration will be managed by Charleston Road Registry, and only a limited number of designated personnel will be able to register domain names. As registrations will be granted based on Google business needs, Charleston Road Registry will charge prices commensurate with overall business costs. Therefore, there are no specific cost benefits for registrants to implement as Google is the sole registrant.
18.c.iii
Members of the public will not be able to register domain names in this new gTLD. Registration will be managed by Charleston Road Registry, and only a limited number of designated personnel will be able to register domain names. As registrations will be granted based on business needs, Charleston Road Registry will charge prices commensurate with overall business costs. Therefore, contractual commitments to registrants regarding price escalation are not relevant to Google’s mission or goals for the new gTLD at this time, as Google is the sole registrant.