.Redstone New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Redstone Haute Couture Co., Ltd.
String: Redstone
Originally Posted: 13 June 2012
Application ID: 1-1321-41821
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Redstone Haute Couture Co., Ltd.
- Address of the principal place of business
18 Floor, Grand Skylight Hotel, No.3024,Shennanzhong Road
Shenzhen Guangdong 518031
CN
- Phone number
+86 0755 83689368
- Fax number
+86 0755 83689668
- If applicable, website or URL
http:⁄⁄www.iredstone.com⁄indexEn.html
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Ms. Qing Peng
6(b). Title
Business Manager
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+86 010 64242299 8108
6(e). Fax Number
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Mr. Yizheng Zhao
7(b). Title
President &CEO
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+86 0755 83689368
7(e). Fax Number
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Limited Liability Company
8(b). State the specific national or other jursidiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Shenzhen, China
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
LI Linge Vice President
SHAO Xiaorong Commodity Director
ZHAO Yizheng President &CEO
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
CHANG Xiaoyan Director of Human Resources
CHEN Xinhong Administrative Director
HUANG Xuan Chief Financial Officer
LI Linge Vice President
PAN Wenyu Marketing Director
SHAO Xiaorong Commodity Director
ZHAO Yizheng President &CEO
ZHONG Shuyu Company Secretary
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
LI Linge Vice President
ZHAO Yizheng President &CEO
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.
Redstone
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.
Redstone Haute Couture Co., Ltd. anticipates the introduction of this TLD without operational or rendering problems. Based on a decade of experience launching and operating new TLDs, Afilias, the back-end provider of registry services for this TLD, is confident the launch and operation of this TLD presents no known challenges. The rationale for this opinion includes:
- The string is not complex and is represented in standard ASCII characters and follows relevant technical, operational and policy standards;
- The string length is within lengths currently supported in the root and by ubiquitous Internet programs such as web browsers and mail applications;
- There are no new standards required for the introduction of this TLD;
- No onerous requirements are being made on registrars, registrants or Internet users, and;
- The existing secure, stable and reliable Afilias SRS, DNS, WHOIS and supporting systems and staff are amply provisioned and prepared to meet the needs of this TLD.
- (OPTIONAL) Provide a representation of the label according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (http://www.langsci.ucl.ac.uk/ipa/).
Mission/Purpose
18(a). Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD.
The fundamental mission and purpose of .Redstone TLD application is to protect the trademark rights of “Redstone” mark that was established by Redstone Haute Couture Company Ltd. (Chinese: 红珏高级时装有限公司；“Redstone”). The .Redstone TLD will be used for Redstone itself and its portfolio companies and brands (i.e. brand name. Redstone) to ensure best-in-class online experience and customer satisfaction. By operating and utilizing the .Redstone TLD, Redstone also hopes to be the pioneer of digital branding for the fast-growing luxury retailing and marketing in China as well as in the world.
.Redstone TLD will carry the corporate vision set by of the Redstone company -- we strive to become an influential fashion holding company in the worldʹs fashion realm through professionalism and culture cohesion, so as to contribute to the peaceful rise of China.
Redstone Haute Couture Company Ltd (Redstone)
Established in October 2002, Redstone is a world-renowned management company for luxury brands retailing and marketing. The founder of Redstone has successfully introduced international brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Pierre Cardin and GIADA into China market. Relying on the strong retail network, senior management personnel with abundant experience in luxury goods retail industry as well as precise and efficient business operation, Redstone has setup more than 40 state-of-art boutiques for our franchised luxury brands as well as for a fully-owned subsidiary, GIADA, in top-line department store and five star hotels in major city of mainland China. The expansion of retail outlet will go beyond boarder where new stores are expected to locate in Milan, Paris, New York, London, Tokyo, etc, within the next two years.
As of end of 2011, the turnover of Redstone exceeded approximately 448 Million RMB and more than 400 employees. “Redstone” is a registered trademark in China and it’s in active use.
Redstone Haute Couture Co, Ltd is the registered trademark owner for the mark REDSTONE in connection with the following China national trademark registrations: 6008275, 7733647, 6008274, 6008273, 6814225 and 8437261.
Potential Business Models
The best current thinking of the allocation and usage of .Redstone TLD is to allow only a limited number of existing and future Redstone-owned and authorized brands, or generic key terms of luxury or high-end fashion industry, at the second level. Some intuitive examples are “GIADA.Redstone”, “2012fashion.Redstone”. The sole registrant of the .Redstone TLD is Redstone itself. This conservative approach shall meet the trademark protection purpose and minimize potential technological, marketing and operational risks. Such approach, subject to change depending upon a range of external factors, will be reviewed at the regular basis. A consultative process with ICANN and relevant stakeholder shall take place prior to determination of any change of this approach. Most likely, Redstone will not make any such determination until after the first three years of operation.
18(b). How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
Redstone believes that the proposed .Redstone gTLD offers a clear and intuitive guidance on the Internet for Redstone’s existing and future customers so they can identify Redstone and its network of brands and services easier than it is now (currently, www.iRedstone.com is used). As Redstone will also be the sole registrant of .Redstone TLD, and only a limited number of .Redstone names will be allocated initially, Internet users in general can recognize this “.brand” TLD and locate relevant information with trust and confidence. Consumers of Redstone products and services shall find that the .Redstone TLD further strengthen and elevate the Redstone brand loyalty in the online marketplace.
What is the goal of your proposed gTLD in terms of areas of specialty, service levels, or reputation?
While the intention of filing the .Redstone application is to proactively protect the ownership of the “Redstone” trademark at the Internet Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) name space, it is also important to emphasize Redstone’s core vision -- we strive to become an influential fashion holding company in the worldʹs fashion realm through professionalism and culture cohesion, so as to contribute to the peaceful rise of China. As cost of branding and marketing can be drastically increased, the .Redstone TLD will play a critical and integrated part for the worldwide promotion and penetration of the Redstone brand.
What do you anticipate your proposed gTLD will add to the current space, in terms of competition, differentiation, or innovation?
As a “.brand” gTLD, the primary driving factors of Redstone is to provide a clear and intuitive online identifier for its users and customers. The success of this gTLD will not be measured by the number of domain name registered. Instead it will be measured by the level of consumer recognition and trust that is placed in .Redstone gTLD. Redstone wishes to actively collaborate with other approved .brand TLD operators and engage with user ⁄ consumer group, meanwhile serves as the pioneer for luxury goods retailing and marketing utilizing a newly-created gTLD in China as well as globally. However, any broader adoption of this competitive advantage will only be undertaken after Redstone has confidence that the concerns of various government and law enforcement regarding ICANN’s new gTLD process are properly addressed to its satisfaction.
While many Internet users are subject to a never ending barrage of spam and phishing activities, .Redstone from day one will be a trusted source of goods and services for consumer looking for information regarding Redstone’s brand information and relevant products and services.
What goals does your proposed gTLD have in terms of user experience?
Redstone believes that the .Redstone gTLD will provide an enhanced experience for its existing consumers both domestically and internationally. .Redstone gTLD shall also provide increased confidence and predictability for new customers and partners as Redstone continues to expand into other markets around the world as a leading luxury goods retailer.
In addition to providing consumers with shorter, memorable, and intuitive domain names to help customer navigate the website, Redstone envisions best in class safeguards to minimize any potential phishing, pharming, or spamming that have plagued the customers of other luxury brands.
Provide a complete description of the applicant’s intended registration policies in support of the goals listed above.
As documented in Section 18a, during the first three years of operation, Redstone is intending to restrict registration and use of domain names with the gTLD to limited number of CIU. Because of this condition precedent, any registration and use requirements are more appropriately vested in these corporate⁄subsidiary agreements and not in a domain name registration agreement. Redstone mark is a valuable brand whose protection is of paramount important, any registration and use (e.g. trademark quality control provisions) must vest in these other agreements.
Aside from these concerns, Redstone will incorporate all required ICANN consensus policies and other legal⁄policy requirements imposed on new gTLD applicants into the terms and conditions of the domain name registration agreement. Based on ICANN Registry Agreement, Redstone sets and enforces .Redstone registration policies. General Registry Policies will be developed and made available prior to launch of TLD. Such policy decisions, based on ICANN Registry Agreement and relevant industry best practices, include but are not limited to:
- Registration eligibility requirements
- Which registrars may become accredited and sell domains
- Wholesale prices offered to registrars
- Reserved names
- Phased allocation (Sunrise, Landush, etc.) of the domain space at the second and third levels
- Dispute policies
- Technical policies, including SRS security and access.
This .Redstone General Registry Policies pertain techno-operational policies in the following areas:
- Domain Registrations (Domain Objects) and the .Redstone Zone File
- Domain Contacts (Contact Objects) and WHOIS Service
- Dispute Resolution Policies
- Obligations of Registered Name Holders
The General Registry Policies provides the framework for the general operations of the .Redstone Registry. Other policies, such as the .Redstone Eligibility, Reserved Name Policies, Sunrise Policies and other relevant policies are described separately in other documents published at the Redstone TLD registry Websites. Pricing and technical specifications are published for Accredited Registrars only and provided separately.
The Redstone TLD registry is committed to maintaining the integrity of the data within the .Redstone Registry and to implement policies that deter infringements. The .Redstone Registry adopts the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) for facilitating the resolution of disputes over the registration and use of a second-level domain name registered under the .Redstone Registry. All domain name registrations must submit to the mandatory proceedings commenced under UDRP, which is available for review at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄dndr⁄udrp⁄policy.htm. Complaints under the UDRP should be submitted to an approved dispute-resolution service provider listed at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄dndr⁄udrp⁄approved-providers.htm.
Beyond the UDRP, all domain registrations must also submit to proceedings commenced under formally adopted dispute policies as set forth by Redstone from time to time and published on the .Redstone TLD registry Website(s). Such dispute policies will take effect at the time they are announced on the .Redstone TLD registry Website(s), with or without prior notice to registrars or registrants.
Such dispute policies may include for example, but not limited to, expedited processes for suspension of a domain name by claims sought by intellectual property right holders (URS), Internet engineering and security experts or other competent claimants in the purpose of upholding the stability, security and integrity of the .Redstone Registry. Dispute policies may also include for example challenge processes adopted by the .Redstone Registry for special programs when occurred.
Moreover, based upon Redstone’s commitment and established track record in providing a safe eco-system for businesses and individuals, Redstone intends to provide best in class safeguards that will evolve over time.
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
Redstone will conform with section 1.8.6 of ICANN Registry Agreement:
Registry Operator will: 1) implement appropriate measures to avoid abuse of this feature (e.g., permitting access only to legitimate authorized users); and 2) ensure the feature is in compliance with any applicable privacy laws or policies.
Meanwhile, Redstone recognizes that this is an evolving area of law in which there is no international standard, the measures for protecting the privacy and confidential information of registrants or users will be developed based on industry best practice such as Registrar Accreditation: Model Privacy Policy provided by ICANN (see http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄registrars⁄model-privacy-policy.htm)
Redstone as a registry operator shall take reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction. Redstone as a registry operator shall not use or authorize the use of personal data in a way that is incompatible with the notice provided to registrar(s) ⁄ registrant(s). Personal data shall refer to all data about any identified or identifiable natural person. Redstone as a registry operator will not make commercial use of, or collect, traffic data regarding domain names or non-existent domain names for purposes such as the determination of the availability and health of the Internet, pinpointing specific points of failure, characterizing attacks and misconfigurations, identifying compromised networks and hosts, and promoting the sale of domain names.
Publicly available registrant information such as WHOIS service is intended only for query-based access. Specific WHOIS access policy is listed within the general registration policy.
Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will help to achieve your projected benefits.
As noted above, Redstone’s key driving factor in securing a .Redstone gTLD in ICANN’s first round is primarily defensive in nature, and while Redstone sees the potential for this gTLD to serve as a cornerstone for its future online strategic initiative, there are a number of unanswered questions concerning consumer recognition, security and stability, and broader industry adoption of new gTLDs within the marketplace that must be satisfactorily answered first. Once these concerns have been answered to Redstone’s satisfaction, Redstone is committed to making prominent use of the .Redstone gTLD in printed and online material as well as across its wholly-owned and affiliated retail outlet.
18(c). What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?
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)?
Redstone believes the proposed approach to initially limit registration only to Redstone itself will provide a convenient and trusted online environment for consumers of Redstone’s brands and services. Therefore there is no need for other trademark and brand owners to defensive register in the gTLD. This simple scope shall provide consumers with a single trusted source for Redstone with a substantially lower risk of fraud and⁄or scams for its customers. Redstone also believes that the safeguards set forth in the Applicant Guidebook and the proposed business model outlined in Section 18a will minimize any potential negative social costs.
What other steps will you take to minimize negative consequences⁄costs imposed upon consumers?
Redstone believes that the proposed operation of the .Redstone gTLD as set forth in this application has no known negative consequences or cost implications on consumers. On the contrary, the proposed operation of this registry will likely lead to direct and quantifiable benefits to consumers. Redstone believes that by following the core corporate values as identified in Section 18b, it will be able to provide real value to consumer, and minimize any potential negative consequences⁄costs.
How will multiple applications for a particular domain name be resolved, for example, by auction or on a first-come⁄first-serve basis?
Redstone does not envision multiple applicants for the same domain name, as domain names will initially only be allocated to Redstone and its corporate subsidiaries and affiliated entities. If and when Redstone decides to permit third party registrations within the gTLD, Redstone will evaluate and decide upon a best in class allocation mechanism consistent with its strategic corporate interests.
Explain any cost benefits for registrants you intend to implement (e.g., advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts).
Redstone does not envision any pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts because these marketing⁄commercial initiatives are inconsistent with the mission and purpose of the .Redstone gTLD. Moreover, it is the current best thinking of Redstone that .Redstone domain name registrations will be provided at no-cost.
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.
Redstone is committed to provide the domain name registration periods set forth in the registry agreement. However, as noted above as .brand gTLD the registration and use of the domain name is conditioned upon the registrant being Redstone itself. Therefore providing contractual commitments in a domain name registrant agreement regarding the magnitude of price escalations does not seem relevant or appropriate. Additionally, as noted above, the current best thinking of Redstone that .Redstone domain name registrations will be provided at no-cost.