.quest New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Quest ION Limited
Application Downloaded On: 16 Apr 2015
String: quest
Application ID: 1-1817-89377
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Quest ION Limited
- Address of the principal place of business
Unit F, 26/F, MG Tower, 133 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong Kowloon East HK
- Phone number
+852 2827 1899
- Fax number
+852 2827 1833
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.qigroup.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Yue Sing Malcolm Chiu
6(b). Title
Chief Technology Officer, QNet
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+852 2263 9145
6(e). Fax Number
+852 2529 8286
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Michael Wolczyk
7(b). Title
Head of Digital Innovation, QNET
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+852 2263 9289
7(e). Fax Number
+852 22 639 008
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).
Hong Kong
8(c). Attach evidence of the applicant's establishment.
Attachments are not displayed on this form.
9(a). If applying company is publicly traded, provide the exchange and symbol.
9(b). If the applying entity is a subsidiary, provide the parent company.
9(c). If the applying entity is a joint venture, list all joint venture partners.
Applicant Background
11(a). Name(s) and position(s) of all directors
Name
Position
Bismark Joseph Luis Eleuterio Tomacruz Director
Vijayaratnam Vijayeswaran Director
Zhou Pei Zhen Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Name
Position
So Wing Yin Winnie Secretary
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
Name
Position
RYTHM International (HK) 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.
quest
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 .quest 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
- .quest is not identical or similar to any of the top 10 invalid TLD’s responsible for the majority of DNS pollution, as referenced in the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)’s report on this topic at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄committees⁄security⁄sac045.pdf. It is likely that the .quest has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .quest will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, QNet Ltd. does not believe that the .quest 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 .QUEST GTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE ELIMINATION OF USER CONFUSION AND ASSURANCE OF CREDIBILITY, REPUTATION AND BRAND AUTHENTICITY.
The .quest gTLD will create a new generation gTLD serving the interests of end users by providing an authoritative Internet space where information about products and services, resources and marketing for the Quest brand will be closely controlled by QNet Ltd. (QNet). The majority of the anticipated domain name registrations in .quest gTLD will be used in the promotion and communication of QNet’s products and services. Registration for second or third level domain names under .quest will be available to both QNet affiliate entities and to those parties appointed as independent representatives of Qnet, in accordance with the registration policy. A subset of domain names may also be created and used for communication and marketing purposes, tailored to specific geographic locations, with internet users assured of brand authenticity. The .quest gTLD aims to promote a global online network for QNet and to protect the reputation and credibility of QNet online.
QNet is part of the QI Group of companies, a multinational conglomerate comprising a dynamic group of companies with regional offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and a wide range of subsidiary companies in over 30 countries. The QI Group was established in 1998 and has seven main businesses (telecommunications, lifestyle and leisure, luxury and collectibles, training and education, property development and project management, logistics and its flagship, a global direct selling and e-commerce business). The QI Group also has an interest in Quest International University Perak in Malaysia in conjunction the State Government of Perak. QNet is the main subsidiary of the QI Group and is active within the global direct selling and e-commerce business. QNet combined the then-recent phenomenon of e-commerce, with the long-established distribution method of network marketing and has its main markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
QNet is active in direct selling, the marketing and selling of products directly to consumers away from a fixed retail location, and operates with a network of independent representatives worldwide who sell products to Quest retail customers. QNet has its headquarters in Hong Kong and sells a wide variety of products within personal care, home care, nutrition, holiday packages, etc. QNet is also a member of various industry bodies such as the Direct Selling Association Singapore (DSAS). QNet was recognised as a ‘Caring Company’ by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service for the past 3 years, which credits companies with a high standard of organisational practices. Furthermore, QNet was awarded with a CaseTrust (Storefront) accreditation for Good Business Practices, for fair and ethical business practices, sales and after-sales service, well-trained staff, well-maintained facilities, and good business integrity.
Since the inception of the current domain name system, business activities conducted on the internet are constantly changing and evolving with increased complexity. The volume of commercial transactions over the internet is constantly growing and bringing benefits of simplicity and lowered transaction costs to businesses and consumers. However, at the same time, criminal activities over the internet including data breach, hacking and phishing activities have also become more sophisticated resulting in loss of consumer confidence beyond mere monetary harm. The .quest gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance of authenticity from internet users connecting with QNet and QNet’s network of independent representatives online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
QNet’s mission and purpose of the gTLD share ICANN’s public interest promotion goals. QNet is committed to contribute towards achieving the outcomes from such initiatives as are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: .quest will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available registrants who meet the strict eligibility criteria as set out in QNet’s registration policy. This will provide added consumer trust that .quest domain names are trustworthy and will allow internet users to clearly distinguish between real products and brands and forfeited products. As .quest domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under QNet’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within .quest;
- competition: the gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice at the level of registration of domain names among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in .quest 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 gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting QNet’s marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting with QNet. As QNet has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .quest, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
The nature of .quest will be restricted and will mainly extend to QNet’s global network of independent representatives (IRs). Given that QNet works with a very elaborate network of IRs worldwide, it is estimated that in the first few years up to 50,000 domain names could be registered. Depending on the number of IRs and the eligibility criteria as set out in the registration policy, the projected number of registration could further increase substantially over the years as QNet implements new services and marketing campaigns.
QNet intends to create relevant domain names for use including product, services or geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, QNet will use geographic names to localise its websites in the countries in which its network of IRs is active and targets customers. The use of geographic names is intended to:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and
- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory.
QNet does not intend to utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level initially. However, as the .quest gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that QNet will utilise IDNs to allow internet users to engage with .quest in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
‘Quest’ is a well-recognised global brand with the QI Group’s ‘Questnet’ trademark registered in Hong Kong for the following categories: 9 (recorded tapes), 16 (paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials (not included in other classes), 35 (advertising, business management) and 41 (promotion). The trademark will be licenced to QNet for the purpose of operating .quest.
QNet has existing domain names with an exact match to, or containing, the ‘Quest’ Trademark and the applied for string:
- gTLDs: .net, .com, .xxx, .biz, .info and .org
- country-code TLDs (ccTLDs): .us, .tv, .cc and .ws
Recently, QNet was successful in securing a registration for a .xxx domain name during the sunrise phase of the registry’s launch, based on Questʹs existing trademark registrations.
18B. How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18(B)I. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR PROPOSED GTLD IN TERMS OF AREAS OF SPECIALTY, SERVICE LEVELS OR REPUTATION?
The key goals of the proposed new .quest gTLD are consistent with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. In addition, QNet also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which QNet and its global network of independent representatives will be able to communicate with its customers directly and effectively. The ability to create domain names on demand specific for our independent representatives and also related to QNet’s specific marketing, specialty service and product development supports these goals and will allow registrants to focus on internet marketing. Strengthened security measures, service levels and more effective functionality will provide a trusted and positive user experience.
18(B)II. WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE YOUR PROPOSED GTLD WILL ADD TO THE CURRENT SPACE, IN TERMS OF COMPETITION, DIFFERENTIATION, OR INNOVATION?
It is anticipated that the proposed .quest gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .quest gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with QNet by providing a distinctive domain space which will allow internet users to distinguish between authentic and forfeited IRs form QNet. Internet users will be able to directly and easily navigate to the .quest gTLD site, saving time and resources searching for an official site. 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. QNet can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .quest domain space. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under .quest domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and QNet.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of .quest gTLD as a trusted site for QNet will drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs. Internet users will be encouraged to interact with domain names under .quest domain space to acquire products via direct selling. As a result, .quest will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .quest will be distributed not only to its direct customers, but to the internet community at large forcing improved services and competitive pricing in the market place.
INNOVATION:
With the expansion of the internet community to all corners of the world, the existing TLD structure presents limitations, not only in the availability of domain names for registrants, but also to businesses and organisations establishing 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. This problem is amplified for organisations such as QNet who work across many different jurisdictions and geographical markets, making it difficult for the public to find authentic QNet related TLDs. 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. QNet has the ability to create second or third level domain names including the use of geographic names and IDNs on demand which are relevant to its customer base, services and products. QNet will be able to combine its use of the domain space with innovative user focused marketing and services to address the currently unmet needs in the existing domain name system providing greater consumer choice.
18(B)III. WHAT GOALS DOES YOUR PROPOSED GTLD HAVE IN TERMS OF USER EXPERIENCE?
The proposed .quest will provide a positive and better user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. QNet 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 QNet. Therefore, .quest 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 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.
The .quest gTLD should address the concerns that the current domain name system is open to potential malicious abuse and user confusion in the registration processes. Although the current system allows an eligible party to lodge a claim through existing Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) or other dispute resolution processes, the .quest 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 ICANN’s core values in benefiting the public interest.
18(B)IV. PROVIDE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICANTʹS INTENDED REGISTRATION POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS LISTED ABOVE.
The proposed registration policy is attached in response to Question 28.
Only registrants who meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible to register domain names in .quest. The domain name registration process will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures. As the use of the .quest gTLD expands and evolves, QNet may consider further expanding the use of .quest gTLD domain names at a later date. Such expansion will comply with all policy, operational and technical requirements and will adhere to applicable measures to protect customer trust and the stability of the internet.
18(B)V. WILL YOUR PROPOSED GTLD IMPOSE ANY MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANTS OR USERS? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY SUCH MEASURES.
QNet 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 user’s confidential information. Although the direct selling industry is not regulated QNet’s IRs are expected to adhere to its Code of Ethics, setting rules for conduct with the public and obligations they have to adhere to as representatives of QNet.
Privacy is of fundamental concern to QNet’s end customers, and as such, QNet has a strong interest in ensuring a high level of privacy protection for its customers. QNet also has implemented its own privacy policy to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information.
In its privacy statement, QNet informs internet users about how data is collected on its website and how these data are used. QNet collects some personally identifiable information and uses this information:
- to operate its website and deliver the requested services;
- to inform internet users about other products or services that QNet or its affiliates have available; and
- to conduct research via surveys.
In any case QNet does not sell, rent or lease its customer list to third parties and will only disclose personal information, without notice, if required by law or in good faith that such action is necessary.
As the .quest gTLD will only be available to registrants that meet the strict eligibility criteria set out in QNet’s registration policy, initially, the amount of personal data that will be collected for the purposes of operating the gTLD and made publicly available in the WHOIS database will be rather limited. QNet 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, QNet 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.
QNet will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both QNet and its users interacting with QNet 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 .quest gTLD. QNet already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access such as encryption via Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Extended Valuation Secure Sockets Layer (EVSSL) protocols. QNet also uses identity verification processes, has Cybertrust audit security procedures quarterly and employs Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) online security methods in order for an IR to access his account.
QNet 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 .quest domain space.
18(B)VI. DESCRIBE WHETHER AND IN WHAT WAYS OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECTED BENEFITS.
The proposed new gTLD will be publicised by an appropriate communications plan to promote recognition of the new gTLD within the internet community, to both QNet independent representatives and internet users generally, to be a trusted site and as a sign of authenticity.
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 of second and third level domain names will only be open to registrants who meet the strict eligibility criteria established by QNet, namely, that the registrants must be an affiliate entity of QNet or an independent representative for QNet unless otherwise explicitly authorised. . Registrants wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the protection of their trademark rights, or the protection against the potential for trademark infringements within the .quest gTLD. QNet will also utilise the services of the proposed Trademark Clearinghouse to ensure that domain names registered and the use of those domain names, do not infringe any registered third party intellectual property rights.
It is estimated that time and money spent by consumers who have been targeted by malicious abuse in utilising services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .quest gTLD.
18(C)I. HOW WILL MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR DOMAIN NAME BE RESOLVED, FOR EXAMPLE, BY AUCTION OR ON A FIRST-COME⁄FIRST-SERVE BASIS?
At this stage, domain name registrations will be allocated to independent representatives and internal QNet divisions and affiliates based on internal policies, and as such conflicts between multiple applications are not anticipated to occur.
18(C)II. EXPLAIN ANY COST BENEFITS FOR REGISTRANTS YOU INTEND TO IMPLEMENT (E.G., ADVANTAGEOUS PRICING, INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNTS, BULK REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS).
Price reductions for bulk registration will not be permitted as they do not benefit the purpose of the .quest gTLD, which is to provide a trusted gTLD where end users can access resources and information relating to Quest products and the Quest network of independent representatives, and also to protect the reputation and credibility of QNet online. While the .quest gTLD may not limit the number of domain names registered to each registrant, bulk and discount registrations are not applicable in line with the registry’s mission and purpose, as such options may give rise to the potential for domain squatting albeit by a restricted or limited group of registrants, and other non-advantageous practices for internet users and other registrants.
18(C)III. NOTE THAT THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES THAT REGISTRARS BE OFFERED THE OPTION TO OBTAIN INITIAL DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATIONS FOR PERIODS OF ONE TO TEN YEARS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REGISTRAR, BUT NO GREATER THAN TEN YEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF PRICE INCREASES. DO YOU INTEND TO MAKE CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS TO REGISTRANTS REGARDING THE MAGNITUDE OF PRICE ESCALATION? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PLAN.
Registrations of domain names in this gTLD will be governed by the terms and conditions for registration, which QNet anticipates also including in its IR membership sign-up process. Whilst there is no specific intention to make contractual commitments regarding price increases, the registry operator does not intend to impose unwarranted or unreasonable price increases as to do so would be contrary to the purpose of the .quest gTLD, which aims to provide a network for IRs and to protect the reputation and credibility of QNet online.