.bbva New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.
Application Downloaded On: 10 Apr 2014
String: bbva
Application ID: 1-1111-84953
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.
- Address of the principal place of business
PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA, 81 Madrid - 28046 ES
- Phone number
+34 91 374 63 21
- Fax number
+34 91 537 99 84
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.bbva.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Irene Rodriguez Alonso
6(b). Title
Lawyer. IP Legal Department.
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+34 91 374 63 21
6(e). Fax Number
+34 91 537 99 84
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Maria Luisa Forcada Martínez
7(b). Title
Head of IP Legal Department
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+34 91 537 75 61
7(e). Fax Number
+34 91 537 99 84
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
PUBLIC LIMITED CORPORATION (Sociedad Anónima)
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
SPANISH LAW. SPANISH CORPORATE ACT - ROYAL LEGISLATIVE DECREE 1/2010 OF JULY 2, 2010
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.
BME_Spanish_Exchange / BBVA
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
ANGEL CANO FERNANDEZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BELEN GARIJO LOPEZ INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CARLOS LORING MARTINEZ DE IRUJO INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ RODRIGUEZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IGNACIO FERRERO JORDI INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOSE ANTONIO FERNANDEZ RIVERO INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOSE LUIS PALAO GARCIA-SUELTO INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOSE MALDONADO RAMOS EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JOSE MANUEL GONZALEZ-PARAMO MARTINEZ-MURILLO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - GLOBAL ECONOMICS, REGULATION & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
JUAN CARLOS ALVAREZ MEZQUIRIZ INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Juan PI LLORENS INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LOURDES MÁIZ CARRO INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RAMON BUSTAMANTE Y DE LA MORA INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUSANA RODRIGUEZ VIDARTE INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TOMAS ALFARO DRAKE INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Name
Position
ANGEL CANO FERNANDEZ CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CARLOS TORRES VILA HEAD OF DIGITAL BANKING
CRISTINA DE PARIAS HALCÓN HEAD OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL BUSINESS
EDUARDO ARBIZU LOSTAO HEAD OF LEGAL, AUDIT & COMPLIANCE SERVICES
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ RODRIGUEZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
IGNACIO DESCHAMPS GONZÁLEZ HEAD OF GLOBAL LINES OF BUSINESS (LOBs) AND SOUTH AMERICA
IGNACIO MOLINER ROBREDO HEAD OF BRAND & COMMUNICATION
JAMIE SAENZ DE TEJADA HEAD OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL BUSINESS
JUAN ASÚA MADARIAGA HEAD OF CORPORATE & INVESTMENT BANKING
JUAN IGNACIO APOITA GORDO HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND SERVICES
MANUEL CASTRO ALADRO HEAD OF GLOBAL RISK MANAGEMENT
MANUEL SANCHEZ RODRIGUEZ HEAD OF UNITED STATES BUSINESS
RAMÓN MARÍA MONELL VALLS HEAD OF INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
RICARDO GÓMEZ BARREDO HEAD OF GLOBAL ACCOUNTING & INFORMATIONAL MANAGEMENT
VICENTE MARIA RODERO RODERO HEAD OF MEXICO BUSINESS
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
Name
Position
DOMINGO ARMENGOL CALVO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (NON DIRECTOR)
Applied-for gTLD string
- Provide the applied-for gTLD string. If an IDN, provide the U-label.
bbva
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 .bbva 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
- .bbva 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 .bbva has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .bbva will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A does not believe that the .bbva 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 .BBVA gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST, CONVENIENCE AND ASSURANCE OF BRAND AUTHENTICITY.
The new .bbva gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A (BBVA) can create and control domain names within .bbva that promote the identity and authenticity of its brand. In this regard, .bbva will be used to promote user confidence in the security and global presence of BBVA’s services and brand .bbva will be used by BBVA to provide information, services and resources to its customers in a way that promotes trust and convenience. The .bbva gTLD will provide an authoritative and secure internet space for BBVA, its affiliates and partners that are associated with the brand. .bbva domain names will be utilised for promoting and marketing BBVA’s products and services, for the provision of online services and the distribution of information, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
Business activities are increasingly conducted over the internet, allowing for greater levels of interaction between businesses and customers. As a result, both businesses and end users benefit from ease of interaction and a wider range of choices with lower transaction costs. However, the development in this area in the current domain name system has exposed both businesses and consumers to increased criminal activities over the internet, including data breach, hacking and phishing. These sophisticated criminal activities cause reputational damage to businesses as internet users lose consumer confidence and trust with the businesses targeted by such criminal activities. The .bbva gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with BBVA online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction. The restricted nature of .bbva will ensure that end users experience trustworthy, reliable and secure interactions with BBVA.
PURPOSES:
BBVA’s mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. BBVA is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- Consumer Trust: the .bbva gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to BBVA and its affiliate entities, which will provide added consumer trust that .bbva domain names are authentic and secure. As .bbva domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under BBVA’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .bbva domain space;
- Competition: the proposed new 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 such initiatives through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .bbva gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and
- Consumer Choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting BBVA’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 BBVA. As BBVA has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .bbva domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet. As consumer trust strengthens, it is also anticipated that the number of electronic transactions will increase, which will have a positive effect on the business dynamism worldwide.
BBVA 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 policies and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, BBVA will use geographic names to localise its websites in over 30 countries where BBVA currently operates. 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.
BBVA will also utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level, initially in Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese and French. The use of IDNs will allow internet users to engage with .bbva in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encourage diversity. As the use of the .bbva gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that the use of IDNs, including additional languages will increase within the .bbva domain space.
BBVA is concerned about the above key issues regarding ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments contemplated in relation to the operation of the .bbva gTLD, which consist, among others, consumer protection, security, stability and resiliency, malicious abuse issues, sovereignty concerns and right protection. BBVA demonstrates its commitments to address such issues in its response to relevant sections of this application.
BBVA is a global group that offers a range of financial and non-financial products and services to individual and corporate customers. BBVA was first established in Spain over 150 years ago, and now operates in over 30 countries, with 106,000 employees, 950,000 shareholders, 7,300 branches and 50 million customers. BBVA operates on a model that promotes innovation, growth and generation of profit based on its cornerstone values of people, teamwork, ethical principles and technology. In this regard, consumer trust and continuous innovation are paramount in all its activities. .bbva will promote BBVA as an innovation and technology leader, whilst furthering its reputation as a secure financial institution.
BBVA is a well-recognised global brand with over 1,800 trademarks, which include the word “BBVA”, registered in 180 countries and territories. Of these, more than 500 trademarks are exact match to the “BBVA” brand. BBVA’s trademarks are registered in, but not limited to, the following categories: insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, real estate affairs; education and provision of training, advertising, business management, business administration and office functions.
BBVA has existing domain names with an exact match to the “BBVA” trademark; including 11 gTLDs and more than 150 country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). BBVA also has domain names containing the “BBVA” trademark in over600gTLDs and 900ccTLDs.
Given the restricted nature of the .bbva gTLD, the projected number of registration is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that small number of domain names (up to 500) will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase to around 1000 to 1500domain names as new services and marketing campaigns are developed and implemented. As the use of the new .bbva gTLD expands and evolves, BBVA will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and the stability of the internet. BBVA will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to the .bbva gTLD, including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
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 .bbva gTLD are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. BBVA also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which BBVA is able to communicate with its customers directly and effectively. The ability to create domain names on demand related to specific marketing, specialty service and product development supports these goals. Strengthened security measures, service levels and more effective functionality will provide a trusted and positive user experience.
18(B)II. 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 .bbva gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .bbva gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with BBVA by providing a distinctive domain space. Internet users will be able to directly navigate to the .bbva 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. BBVA can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .bbva domain space. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under .bbva domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and BBVA.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of .bbva gTLD as a trusted site for BBVA 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 .bbva domain space. As a result, .bbva will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .bbva will be distributed not only to its direct customers, but to the internet community at large with 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 BBVA who work across many different jurisdictions and geographical markets. 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. BBVA 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. BBVA 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 .bbva will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. BBVA 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 BBVA. Therefore, .bbva 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 IDNs to enable customer to interact directly in their native language;
- 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;
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users; and
- Increase e-commerce impulse: As consumer trust improves, the number of electronic transactions will increase which will have positive effect on the business dynamism worldwide.
.bbva 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 .bbva gTLD will reduce potential abuses in the registration processes and overall costs arising from potential frauds 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.
BBVA’s proposed use for .bbva should, by its very nature, preclude abusive registrations from occurring,as only BBVA and its affiliates will be eligible to register domain names in .bbva at this stage. BBVA is intending to operate .bbva for the benefit of Internet users that would like to interact with BBVA. There is no incentive for BBVA to confuse Internet users, nor otherwise use domain names in bad faith, since BBVA’s branded keyword gTLD is inherently intertwined with all uses of .bbva domain names.
Notwithstanding the above, BBVA understands and agrees that it must comply with the different rights protection mechanisms such as the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) and the Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) as described in the gTLD Applicant Guidebook (as may be later amended via Consensus Policy) and the Registry Agreement. The aforementioned policies provide a strong incentive to ensure that relevant and effective checks are in place to ensure that all .bbva domain names are only registered and used in an appropriate manner so as to benefit Internet users who would like to interact with BBVA, rather than in any manner that may be deemed inappropriate or in bad faith.
BBVA will implement a clear written policy which requires the relevant corporate authorizations and approvals to be procured and evidenced in order for any .bbva domain name to be registered for BBVA’s use. In addition to these safeguards, all registered domain names in the TLD will be regularly monitored for abusive use.
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.
BBVA 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 (in particular, with Spanish Organic Law 15⁄1999 of 13 December, on the Protection of Personal Data). BBVA also complies with all relevant requirements and standards for the banking industry including a strong policy on protection of personal data adequate and sufficient in order to comply at any time with all obligations required by national and international laws, to guarantee the privacy, the confidentiality and the security of the personal data. BBVA also obtained the seal of the Spanish Association of Electronic Commerce (AECE) which endorses BBVA as the first financial institution to apply its Ethical Code for the Protection of Data on the Internet.
In this sense, Royal Decree 1720⁄2007, of 21 December (“Royal Decree 1720⁄2007”), which approves the regulation implementing Spanish Organic Law 15⁄1999 of 13 December, on the Protection of Personal Data, regulates a set of measures aimed at structured, automated and non-automated files and processing, providing with a clear framework in which to act. The referred Royal Decree establishes three different levels of security, basic, medium and high, which BBVA will apply in each case according to the nature of personal data processed.
BBVA has drawn up a Security Document which includes the technical and organizational measures and the obligations according to Royal Decree 1720⁄2007. This Document is kept up-to-date at all times and is reviewed whenever any material changes are made to the information system. Royal Decree 1720⁄2007 rules, inter alia, the implementation of proceedings applicable to: (i) record of incidents, (ii) access control, (iii) management of supports, documents and media, (iv) identification and authentication, (v) backup copies and recovery, etc. The functions and obligations of each user with access to personal data are clearly defined in the Security Document. Further, as regards medium safety level, amongst others, the appointment of one or several Security Officers commissioned in coordinating the data protection measures, and also the obligation for BBVA to be subject, at least every two years, to an external or internal audit to verify the compliance of the systems with specific data protection regulations, is required. Finally in the event of high level security measures, it is significant the obligation of encoding data when the transfer of data is made through public or wireless electronic communications
BBVA has also implemented its own privacy policy to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. Privacy is of fundamental concern to most of BBVA’s customers as the interaction between BBVA and its customers involve transaction of large sums of money and sensitive personal information. As such BBVA has a strong interest in ensuring high level of privacy protection for its customers.
As the .bbva gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of BBVA 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 very limited. BBVA 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, BBVA 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.
BBVA will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both BBVA and its users interacting with BBVA 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 .bbva gTLD. BBVA already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access. Such measures include the use of a secure server using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), encoded transmission of data by means of 128-bit algorithms via the secure server, a corporate security policy, network and system segregation, segregation of duties, least privilege user permissions, network and system monitoring.
BBVA 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 .bbva domain space.
18(B)VI. DESCRIBE WHETHER AND IN WHAT WAYS OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECTED BENEFITS.
As the initial use of the .bbva gTLD will be restricted to internal business use, and only BBVA and its affiliates will be able to register domain names under .bbva domain space, the .bbva gTLD will be publicised by an internal media plan to promote recognition of the .bbva domain space. It will involve various internal communication strategies that will include actions such as news and informative videos on the intranet, banners on internal web sites and on online tools, information on the domain names application online form, information or online postcards sent by e-mail. The internal information aims to inform employees of BBVA on:
- why BBVA is investing in .bbva gTLD;
- the advantages of the proposed new gTLD; and
- what will be BBVA’s future domain names strategy.
BBVA will also inform its customers and the internet community about the .bbva gTLD that promotes the identity, and authenticity of its brand and a secure internet space. This information will be spread through the usual channels of information such as in branches, corporate web sites, advertising, direct marketing actions and customer support services.
During the initial stage of the operation of the proposed .bbva, it is anticipated that internet users will be re-directed to current websites. However, over time, it is foreseen that communication to the internet community of the existence of the proposed new gTLD and encouragement to utilise the trusted site will contribute towards minimising malicious abuses and protecting internet users.
18C. What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs (e.g., time or financial resource costs, as well as various types of consumer vulnerabilities)? What other steps will you take to minimize negative consequences/costs imposed upon consumers?
As a restricted gTLD, registration will only be open to internal users (BBVA and its affiliate entities) at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under .bbva domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .bbva gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. BBVA will 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.
No unaffiliated third party will be permitted to register domain names at this stage. It is estimated that time and money spent by consumers who have been targeted by malicious abuse in utilising payment services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .bbva 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?
The initial use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to internal business use and BBVA and affiliate entities are intended to be the registrants under the .bbva gTLD. Therefore 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).
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only, at this stage, so pricing incentives are not applicable or relevant.
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.
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only, at this stage, so pricing incentives or pricing increases are not applicable or relevant as no additional fees are to be charged