.chanel New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Chanel International B.V.
Application Downloaded On: 25 Jul 2014
String: chanel
Application ID: 1-1757-70300
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Chanel International B.V.
- Address of the principal place of business
Boerhaavelaan 22 Zoetermeer - 2713 HX NL
- Phone number
+31 79 329 0454
- Fax number
+31 79 329 0455
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.chanel.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Lynnette Oka
6(b). Title
Director, Internet Administration and Enforcement
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+1 212 688 5055
6(e). Fax Number
+1 212 715 4808
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Robin Gruber
7(b). Title
Vice President
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+1 212 688 5055
7(e). Fax Number
+1 212 715 4808
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).
The Netherlands
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
Godefridus Vromen Class B Director
Lawrence C. Maisel Class A Director
Michael Allan George Rena Class A Director
Wouter Matthijs van Dalen Class B Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
Name
Position
Cheremaw S.A.R.L. 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.
chanel
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 .chanel 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
- .chanel 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 .chanel has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .chanel will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Chanel International B.V. does not believe that the .chanel 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 .CHANEL gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE ELIMINATION OF USER CONFUSION AND ASSURANCE OF BRAND AUTHENTICITY.
The new .chanel gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Chanel International B.V. (Chanel) can create and control domain spaces that promote and protect its brand identity and authenticity. Chanel is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cheremaw SARL which, together with its affiliates such as Chanel, Inc., forms part of the Chanel Group of Companies (Chanel Group). The .chanel gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for the Chanel Group to provide information, services and resources to consumers in a way that promotes trust, convenience and utility. Second and third level domain names will be utilized for online marketing purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
Since its establishment in France in 1924 by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, the Chanel brand remains dedicated to luxury, fashion style and image. The Chanel Group offers a broad range of luxury products, including Haute Couture, ready-to-wear, fragrance, cosmetics, leather goods, accessories, fine jewelry and watches. With offices around the world, the Chanel Group has over 24 boutiques and over 90 locations at select retailers within the US. As a global luxury brand, the Chanel Group also maintains over 180 boutiques and stores throughout Asia, Europe, Middle East, Oceania and North and South America. As a luxury and style icon, strengthened brand identity and brand recognition together with consumer trust are paramount considerations in the Chanel Group’s business activities.
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 arena in the current domain name system has exposed both businesses and consumers to increased criminal activities over the internet. 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 .chanel gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with the Chanel Group online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
Chanel will contribute towards achieving ICANN initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .chanel gTLD registry will be operated in a centralized manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Chanel and its affiliates at this stage which will provide added consumer trust that .chanel domain names are authentic. As the .chanel domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Chanel’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .chanel domain space;
- competition: the .chanel gTLD is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .chanel 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 Chanel’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 the Chanel Group online. As Chanel has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under the .chanel domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .chanel gTLD, the projected number of registrations are likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of domain names between 5 and 20 will be registered in the first few years. However, the number of domain name registration is likely to increase as Chanel develops and implements new plans for the .chanel gTLD including creating domain names relevant to its products and services.
Chanel intends to use geographic names in the second or third level domain names at a later stage. Chanel will use geographic names to localize its websites in countries relevant to its operation in accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22. 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.
At this stage, Chanel does not intend to utilize Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level. However, as the use of the .chanel gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that Chanel may utilize IDNs within the .chanel domain space to allow internet users to engage with .chanel in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
Chanel is a well-recognized global brand with its “Chanel” trademarks registered by the Chanel Group throughout the world. The Chanel Group also owns trademarks in its wide range of luxury products. Chanel believes that the .chanel gTLD is unlikely to cause confusion with either a generic term or any existing TLDs. Chanel trademarks are a leading global brand with significant reputation across the world as a luxury fashion house and Chanel has used the Chanel brand in conjunction with its luxury goods businesses for almost 90 years. As such, the Chanel brand is famous as a luxurious fashion and style icon.
Further, the Chanel Group has over 180 existing domain names with an exact match to the applied-for .chanel including but not limited to chanel.com, chanel.info, chanel.us, chanel.eu and chanel.com.tw.
Recently, Chanel was successful in securing sunrise applications for chanel.biz, chanel.info, chanel.mobi and chanel.asia based on existing trademark registration.
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 .chanel gTLD are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Chanel also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which Chanel 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 .chanel gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .chanel gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with the Chanel Group by providing a distinctive domain space. Internet users will be able to navigate directly to the .chanel gTLD site without being confused by a third party website, 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. Chanel can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .chanel domain space. Chanel plans to restrict the registration of domain names under .chanel to the exclusive use of the Chanel Group to ensure complete control over the domain space in order to eliminate any user confusion and to strengthen its online presence. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under the .chanel domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and the Chanel Group.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of the .chanel gTLD as a trusted site for Chanel will drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to strengthen consumer trust of their TLDs. Internet users will be encouraged to interact with domain names under the .chanel domain space. As a result, the .chanel gTLD will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .chanel gTLD 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 organizations 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 organizations such as the Chanel Group 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. Further, infringers, including counterfeits and cybersquatters, may easily register numerous domain names under the existing TLD structure to impersonate and⁄or misrepresent the Chanel Group. With the proposed .chanel gTLD, Chanel 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 and consumer trust.
18(B)III. WHAT GOALS DOES YOUR PROPOSED gTLD HAVE IN TERMS OF USER EXPERIENCE?
The proposed .chanel gTLD will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Chanel will maintain control in the registration and use of domain names and will ensure that the new gTLD will only be used for purposes authorized by Chanel. Therefore, the .chanel 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;
- allow the use of IDNs to enable the Chanel Group’s customers to interact with the company directly in their native language at a later stage;
- allow the use of geographic names at a later stage to localize its websites to connect with internet users in the relevant regions and to comply with local laws;
- enhance security and minimize security risks by implementing necessary technical and policy measures;
- strengthen brand reputation and user confidence by preventing it’s internet users from being confused by a third party website thereby eliminating user confusion; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
.chanel 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 .chanel 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 Chanel and its affiliates will be eligible to register domain names in .chanel. The domain name registration processes will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures.
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.
Chanel 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, including the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act 2003 (CAN-SPAM Act) (US), Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act 1998 (COPPA) (US) and Data Breach Legislation (US).
Chanel 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 the Chanel Group’s customers as such Chanel has a strong interest in ensuring a high level of privacy protection for its customers. While the Chanel Group’s privacy policies are customized to implement the laws of each country of operation, Chanel’s privacy policies contain provisions including –
- Collection and use of personal information: Use of personal information includes provision of services, customer newsletters and product or event information.
- Disclosure and transfer of personal information
- Access to personal information held by Chanel and opting out of marketing communications
- Children’s privacy: Chanel does not intentionally collect or maintain any personal information from children.
As the .chanel gTLD will only be available to Chanel and its affiliates, 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. Chanel 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, Chanel will utilize 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.
Chanel will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Chanel and its users interacting with Chanel 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 .chanel gTLD. Chanel already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorized access. Such measures include the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data encryption.
Chanel 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 .chanel 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 publicized by a media plan to promote recognition of the new gTLD within the internet community to be a trusted site and as a sign of authenticity.
During the initial stage of the operation of the proposed new gTLD, it is anticipated that internet users may 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 utilize the trusted site will contribute towards minimizing 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 (affiliate entities) of Chanel at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under the .chanel domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .chanel gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names under the .chanel gTLD must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Chanel will utilize 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 services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .chanel 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 Chanel and its affiliate entities are intended to be the only registrants under the .chanel 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).
The .chanel 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.