.lotte New gTLD Application
Click to view Chinese translation articles.
-----------------------------------
New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd.
String: lotte
Originally Posted: 13 June 2012
Application ID: 1-1863-52010
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd.
- Address of the principal place of business
20-1, Nishi-shinjuku 3-chome
Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 160-0023
JP
- Phone number
+81 3 5388 5604
- Fax number
+81 3 3375 1293
- If applicable, website or URL
http:⁄⁄www.lotte.co.jp
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Mr. Nobuo Gendo
6(b). Title
General Manager
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+81 3 3379 3781
6(e). Fax Number
+81 3 3379 3823
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Mr. Seiichiro Akimoto
7(b). Title
General Manager
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+81 3 5388 5606
7(e). Fax Number
+81 3 3375 1293
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Corporation
8(b). State the specific national or other jursidiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
JAPAN
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
Akio Shigemitsu Director and the Vice Chairman of the Board
Hiroyuki Shigemitsu Director and the Vice Chairman of the Board
Katsumi Kawai Director
Mitsuo Noda Director
Osamu Imamura Auditor
Sei Nakai Director
Takayuki Tsukuda President and Representative Director
Takeo Shigemitsu Representative Director and the Chairman of the Board
Tetsu Isobe Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
Katsumi Kawai Director
Mitsuo Noda Director
Sei Nakai Director
Takayuki Tsukuda President and Representative Director
Tetsu Isobe Director
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
Employee Stock Ownership Association Not Applicable
Kojyunsya Co., Ltd. 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.
lotte
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.
The .lotte 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
- .lotte is not identical or similar to any of the top 10 invalid TLDʹs responsible for the majority of DNS pollution, as referenced in the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)ʹs report on this topic at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄committees⁄security⁄sac045.pdf. It is likely that the .lotte has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .lotte will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd. does not believe that the .lotte 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/).
Mission/Purpose
18(a). Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD.
The mission and purpose of the new restricted .lotte gTLD is to benefit internet users by ensuring increased trust, confidence and a sense of security through the elimination of user confusion and the assurance of brand authenticity.
The .lotte gTLD will be a new generation gTLD serving the interests of end users by providing an authoritative Internet space where information, services and resources of Lotte Holdings Co., Ltd. (Lotte) and its brand will be closely controlled by Lotte. The majority of the anticipated domain name registrations in the .lotte gTLD will be used in the promotion and communication of the Lotte brand and its associated products and services. It is anticipated that the primary use of .lotte domain names will be used for communication and marketing purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
Lotte is a pure holding company established in 2007 that retains two groups of subsidiaries (Lotte Group) which conduct businesses mainly in Japan and Korea. Lotte Group develops various high quality products and services in the five main business areas: Food production⁄sales, Distribution, Sightseeing service, Heavy chemical⁄construction and Finance⁄investment. The total sales volume of two groups reaches around 3,669 billion yen.
Lotte has topped the list for Company Recognition in the Nikkei BP Consulting ʺCompany Message Survey 2011ʺ for the 10th consecutive year. The survey found 80% of consumers recognized Lotte and its tagline ʺthe sweetheart of your mouthʺ. This highlights the significant reputation and awareness for the Lotte brand within Japan. Similarly, in Korea the Lotte brand has significant reputation with the Fair Trade Commission of the Republic of Korea ranking Lotte as the 5th
largest business conglomerate. The strong reputation in Japan and Korea is supported by global business development with Lotte continuing to grow throughout Asia, Europe, Russia, North and South America, and the Middle and Near East and is continually pursuing further business expansion at a global level.
The .lotte gTLD intends to support Lotteʹs core business products and services by consolidating its online presence and the Lotte brand at a global level, to enhance the brand value, ensure brand authenticity by minimizing the risk of malicious conduct and improve user experience within .lotte domain space. Lotteʹs corporate philosophy is ʺThinking from customerʹs perspectiveʺ. In this regard, safety, trust, innovation and accessibility are paramount considerations in all of the business activities of Lotte.
Business activities are increasingly through the internet, allowing for greater levels of interaction between company and customers. As a result, both company 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, 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 .lotte gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with Lotte online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
Lotteʹs mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANNʹs initiatives to promote public interest. Lotte is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANNʹs Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .lotte gTLD registry will be operated in a centralized manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Lotte and its affiliate entities, which will provide added consumer trust that .lotte domain names are trustworthy. As .lotte domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Lotteʹs control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .lotte domain space;
- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANNʹs initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in .lotte 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 Lotteʹs 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 Lotte. As Lotte has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .lotte domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .lotte gTLD, the projected number of registration is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of domain names (10-20) will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase up to about 100 domain names as new services and marketing campaigns are developed and implemented by Lotte.
As the .lotte gTLD expands and evolves, Lotte may consider offering the use of second level domain names to its licensed dealers and other eligible business partners at a later date. In this endeavor, Lotte will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and the stability of the internet. Lotte will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to .lotte gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
Lotte intends to create relevant domain names for use including company name, 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, Lotte will use geographic names to localize its websites in the countries in which it 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.
Lotte does not intend to utilize Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level initially. However, as the use of the .lotte gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that Lotte may utilize IDNs within the .lotte domain space to allow internet users to engage with .lotte in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
Lotte is a well-recognized global brand with a total of 120 trademarks registered in 97 countries and territories worldwide for the following classes: 30 (covers Lotteʹs core business of Food), 32 (beverages) and 37 (construction).
Further, Lotte has extensive portfolio of registered domain names in both generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs) and country-code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs) including:
lotte.co.jp, lotte.jp, lotte.kr, lotte.com, lotte.info
18(b). How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18(b)i.
The key goals of the proposed new .lotte gTLD are in line with ICANNʹs Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Lotte also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which Lotte 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.
It is anticipated that the proposed .lotte gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
Differentiation (Increased trust):
The .lotte gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with Lotte by providing a distinctive domain space. Internet users will be able to directly navigate to .lotte 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. Lotte can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .lotte domain space. Lotte will implement and utilize the integrated infrastructure of the .lotte gTLD to enhance its online reputation to achieve increased consumer trust. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under .lotte domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and Lotte.
Competition:
The differentiation of .lotte gTLD as a trusted site for Lotte will drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs. Internets users will be encouraged to interact with domain names under .lotte domain space. As a result, .lotte will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .lotte 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. 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. Lotte will utilize the ability to create second or third level domain names, including the use of geographic names, on demand in .lotte domain space to foster its corporate philosophy of ʺTrustworthiness & Creativity. ʺ .Lotte domain names will provide an opportunity for Lotte to provide relevant information to its specific customer base, services and products. Lotte 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.
The proposed .lotte gTLD will provide positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Lotte 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 Lotte.
Therefore, .lotte 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 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 eliminating user confusion; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
The .lotte 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 .lotte 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 ICANNʹs core values in benefiting the public interest.
18(b)iv.
The proposed registration policy is attached in response to Question 28.
Only affiliate entities of Lotte will be eligible to register domain names in .lotte gTLD at this stage. The domain name registration processes will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures.
18(b)v.
Lotte 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 userʹs confidential information including Act on the Protection of Personal Information (Personal Information Protection Law (Japan)).
Lotte also has implemented its own privacy policy (Private Information Protection Policy) to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. Lotte intend to protect userʹs privacy and personal information completely and to earn trust from users, Lotte observe privacy protection law, improving information technology and reinforcement of management system.
Detail of privacy policy is disclosed in below URL.http:⁄⁄www.lotte.co.jp⁄site⁄privacy.html (Japanese)
Personal information will not be disclosed to third parties except with prior consent or where authorized by Act on the Protection of Personal Information Private Information (Personal Information Protection Law (Japan)) or other relevant laws and regulations.
As the .lotte gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of Lotte, 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. Lotte 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, Lotte 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 policies. 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.
Lotte will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Lotte and its users interacting with Lotte 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 gTLD. Lotte already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorized access. Such measures include but not limited to the use of Security Socket Layers (SSL) encrypted communication.
Lotte 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 .lotte domain space.
18(b)vi.
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 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 utilize the trusted site will contribute towards minimizing malicious abuses and protecting internet users.
18(c). What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?
As a restricted gTLD, registration will only be open to internal users (affiliate entities) at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under .lotte domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .lotte gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Lotte 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 utilizing services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .lotte gTLD.
18(c)i.
The initial use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to internal business use and Lotte and affiliate entities are intended to be the registrants under the .lotte gTLD. Therefore conflicts between multiple applications are not anticipated to occur.
18(c)ii.
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only, at this stage, so pricing incentives are not applicable or relevant.
18(c)iii.
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.