Thu, Aug 21, 2025

.spiegel New gTLD Application

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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: SPIEGEL-Verlag Rudolf Augstein GmbH & Co. KG

String: spiegel

Originally Posted: 13 June 2012

Application ID: 1-997-40034

 

Applicant Information

 

  1. Full legal name

SPIEGEL-Verlag Rudolf Augstein GmbH & Co. KG

 

  1. Address of the principal place of business

Ericusspitze 1

Hamburg  20457

DE

 

  1. Phone number

+49 40 3007 0

 

  1. Fax number

 

  1. If applicable, website or URL

http:⁄⁄www.spiegelgruppe.de

 

Primary Contact

 

6(a). Name

Mr. Jannik Skou

 

6(b). Title

Partner ⁄ Geschäftsführer

 

6(c). Address

 

6(d). Phone Number

+4522275696

 

6(e). Fax Number

 

6(f). Email Address

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Secondary Contact

 

7(a). Name

Mr. Dan Trampedach

 

7(b). Title

Partner ⁄ Geschäftsführer

 

7(c). Address

 

7(d). Phone Number

+41798319275

 

7(e). Fax Number

 

7(f). Email Address

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Proof of Legal Establishment

 

8(a). Legal form of the Applicant

Private Limited Partnership

 

8(b). State the specific national or other jursidiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).

Germany. GERMAN LAW - „Handelsgesetzbuch“

 

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

Ove Saffe CEO

 

11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners

Matthias Hugo Schmolz Managing Director

Ove Saffe CEO

Rolf-Dieter Schulz Managing Director

 

11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares

Erbengemeinschaft Augstein Not Applicable

Gruner + Jahr AG & Co KG Not Applicable

Kommanditgesellschaft Beteiligungsgesellschaft für SPIEGEL-Mitarbeiter mbh & Co. 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

 

  1. Provide the applied-for gTLD string. If an IDN, provide the U-label.

spiegel

 

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.

 

  1. 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.

We have carefully examined (including S.W.O.R.D test) the applied-for string “SPIEGEL” and found that deployment of it would not cause adverse operational, rendering, or general user-confusion due to visual similarity with existing TLDs⁄ISO3166 lists⁄ICANN reserved list of names & list of ineligible strings. The string consists entirely of ASCII letters and is a valid hostname having at least three and less than 63 characters, the ASCII Label is therefore in compliance with the string requirements set forth in the Applicant Guidebook (Applicant Guidebook, page 64, section: 2.2.1.3.2 “String Requirements”) and with all technical standards such as but not limited to RFC 1035, RFC 2181, RFC 952, RFC 1123, and RFC 3696.

 

Although the applied for string is pure ASCII characters the applicant is aware of its responsibility to seek to mitigate and solve inter alia such issues, as discussed on the “TLD Universal Acceptance” session at the Costa Rica ICANN Meeting on Wed, 14 March 2012 (http:⁄⁄costarica43.icann.org⁄meetings⁄sanjose2012⁄presentation-tld-universal-acceptance-14mar12-en.pdf):

 

  1. Validity checks of TLDs based on either a hard coded list (may not be updated with all new gTLDs) or on a length check (i.e. maximum three characters).
  2. Name conversion in various applications and browsers. Based on wrong definitions or outdated lists of TLDs, some applications may not convert this new gTLD to links.
  3. User acceptance. Some websites⁄applications may refuse user acceptance of users entering a new gTLD not accepted by the website⁄application.
  4. Email clients validating on length on TLDs on by applying an outdated list of TLDs may also cause problems for this new gTLD, as valid email addresses may not be accepted.
  5. Websites and Search Engines such as, but not limited to, Google, Yahoo! may refuse to offer services such as advertising, if they validate email addresses and valid domain names based on outdated definitions of TLDs, or simply refuse to add new gTLDs to their lists.
  6. Mobile browsers may also not be updating their lists of valid TLDs, as live DNS look ups, may be considered costly or in adequate by the providers.

 

Actions to mitigate or solve these issues:

 

As the TLD is longer than 3 characters, it is understood that some issues concerning usage of the TLD in online forms will exists. We take the full responsibility for any such issues and will work towards enabling general global acceptance for TLDs, not just with this TLD but all others as well. We will ensure that all known websites expecting to use the TLD will be communicated with concerning this issue and we will make all our own online forms available to accept all ICANN TLDs per the IANA list. We will work with ICANN in our on-going effort on this subject both for IDN TLDs and ASCII TLDs.  

 

Second Level IDN specific issues are addressed in our response to Question 44.

 

  1. (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.

SPIEGEL Question 18a

 

Since its founding in 1947, Spiegel has become the most widely-read and highly respected German news magazine, selling one million copies each week and reaching roughly six million readers. A growing percentage of its circulation is from individuals residing outside of Germany. The company’s website, at “spiegel.de” is accessible from every mobile device format, and attracts approximately ten million unique viewers. The company currently generates revenues of about EUR 30 million, predominately through advertising sales and, in a smaller part, through digital subscriptions.

 

In addition to providing the premier German news and information outlet, the Spiegel online portal offers a wide array of interactive user opportunities, including commenting systems and personalized newsletters. In recent years, Spiegel has rapidly increased its offerings in not only the German language but also in English to reach a broader international audience, and has accordingly created and English-speaking section of its website. Moreover, the company produces a wide range of books, both in traditional print format and “ebooks”, on a multitude of various topics, which are available through the site. Currently, the company publishes roughly 25 SPIEGEL and SPIEGEL ONLINE books each year, and the company intends to begin releasing shorter ebooks based on selected articles from Spiegel. These new ebooks will be written by Spiegel’s award-winning, top-of-the-industry journalists, and will focus on current news topics.

 

The company has used its Spiegel trade name in commerce since 1947 and is the registered owner of numerous “Spiegel” and “DER SPIEGEL” trademarks, with protection, inter alia, in all member States of the European Union.

 

 

  1. The Mission and Purpose of the “.SPIEGEL” space

 

The new “.SPIEGEL” TLD offers the unique opportunity for a new, brand-based service platform, through which Spiegel intends to integrate both its German and international readers at one comprehensive and easy-to-use location. The “.SPIEGEL” space would operate as an inter-connected nexus of information, available in both English and German, to cater to the needs of its many avid readers worldwide.

 

The magazine’s international users are often unfamiliar with the “.DE” space, and accordingly operation based predominately in a ccTLD has at times made expansion of the company’s readership difficult or problematic. The “.SPIEGEL” TLD, however, would be viewed as internationally accessible, and would enable Spiegel to provide a wide array of information and interactive user content in both languages.

 

The company’s core readership in German would also benefit from the dedicated TLD space, as it would enable Spiegel to streamline its content offerings. The company envisages that its main German-language portal would remain in the trusted “.DE” space, enabling users to continue locating content in its familiar location, with additional links to new services, content and opportunities provided via the “.SPIEGEL” TLD. Thus, the company’s existing Internet infrastructure would be cross-integrated with the new TLD pages, greatly enhancing the availability of Spiegel content, and giving the company’s many consumers broad access to its many news and publication offerings.

 

The new “.SPIEGEL” domain will serve as a “one-stop-shopping” experience for all of the many services and goods offered by the company beyond the news, and second-level domain name registrations will be carefully managed by the company to enable intuitive navigation of the space.

 

For example, users may be able to easily update their subscriptions for an array of print and digital magazines released under the SPIEGEL brand at “abo.SPIEGEL.” They may choose from the vast selection of books, printed as well as ebooks, written by established Spiegel authors at “shop.SPIEGEL.”

 

Many of the company’s highly-acclaimed authors and journalists are also much sought after speakers. Accordingly, Spiegel may create a new in-house speakerʹs agency, at ”speakers.SPIEGEL,” which will connect its experts to institutions hosting conferences and events.

 

Additionally, Spiegel will continue to host its own series of events, the Montag auf der Spitze, where industry leaders come together to discuss cultural and political issues. The company might expand this series, showcasing it on “events.SPIEGEL.” A livestream of events will be available, as well as archived material, for paying users at “video.SPIEGEL.” Furthermore, the Spiegel Group has, for over 20 years, produced a bi-weekly TV show focused on current events, the archives of which the company will make available through “.SPIEGEL.”

 

Another possible aspect of the “.SPIEGEL” TLD is an expansion of commercial offerings that go beyond the news. Such benefits may include a ticketing service for cultural events at “kultur.SPIEGEL,” and a customized travel service at “travel.SPIEGEL” or “reisen.SPIEGEL.”

 

Accordingly, Spiegel believes that use of the new TLD will benefit the company, its customers, and general Internet users alike, resulting in increased traffic and Internet user interest. The new space is expected to greatly augment the quality and quantity of offerings by the company, and signifies a large expansion of the Spiegel brand. The “.SPIEGEL” TLD is the gateway to new opportunities for Spiegel, and to an enhanced online experience for its wide array of Internet users.

 

Additionally, Internet users can be assured of the company’s diligent monitoring efforts and privacy protection within the new TLD. As the space will operate under a single-registrant model, Spiegel will be able to exercise full control over the content displayed on “.SPIEGEL” sites and, accordingly, consumers will experience much safer, more trustworthy interactions. Users will be assured that whenever they navigate to a domain name in the TLD, the information displayed on the site will be authentic, authorized and accurate.

 

Operationally, the “.SPIEGEL” Registry Service Provider KSregistry GmbH will manage the Internet space under the direct control of Spiegel. The TLD will follow a single-registrant model, wherein all registrations within the space are held by Spiegel itself. Affiliated entities and individuals, such as affiliated companies or journalists, may apply to Spiegel to request authorization to license “.SPIEGEL” registrations for their own use. The Legal Department of Spiegel shall review every registration and license request and, in its sole discretion, may approve registrations and grant such licenses on a case-by-case basis. In every case, however, the registrant of record for all domains shall be Spiegel, and the company will monitor the use of all “.SPIEGEL” domain names to ensure that the content of the associated websites remains current and appropriate to the TLD space.

 

18(b). How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?

Spiegel anticipates that the new TLD will benefit both the company and its many readers across the globe, by dramatically increasing the number of services and opportunities, and the amount of news material, available for their use. As a global leader in news media, Spiegel maintains a wide network of print and online readers. The new “.SPIEGEL” TLD space will provide Spiegel with a unique, brand-based service platform, through which the company will integrate its German and international readers in one comprehensive and easy-to-use location. The “.SPIEGEL” space is intended to operate as an inter-connected nexus of information, available in both English and German, to cater to the needs of its many avid readers worldwide.

 

Currently, Spiegel predominately utilizes domain names in the existing “.DE” ccTLD space to display its information, which has served as a limiting factor for the company in seeking to reach an international reader base. By adopting the “.SPIEGEL” space, the company will gain the opportunity to reach many millions of individuals across the world, by centering its delivery of news services in a truly global and freely-accessible location.

 

Additionally, Spiegel’s roughly 6 million readers will greatly benefit from the anticipated direct intuitive navigation approach to be adopted across the new TLD space. Simply entering the “.SPIEGEL” TLD will immediately take the Internet user into the company’s secure, monitored space, where the individual user will be able to quickly and easily navigate to their desired online content.

 

 

  1. i) What is the goal of your proposed gTLD in terms of areas of specialty, service levels, or reputation?

 

The goal of the TLD is to create a trustworthy, safe and secure location where Spiegel can communicate with its network of readers, subscribers and casual Internet visitors. Spiegel believes that by properly stewarding its space, and providing the information its various users are seeking in a convenient central location, it will increase both user trust and loyalty.

 

All “.SPIEGEL” domain name registrations will incorporate the Domain Name Registration and Usage Policy for ”.SPIEGEL,” which outlines the acceptable use guidelines for the space. A draft version of this Policy is provided in the answer to question 18(c) below. Such Policy will be further incorporated into any license agreement made between SPIEGEL and any affiliated entities, such as affiliated companies or journalists that may from time to time be authorized to license the use of “.SPIEGEL” domain names. A licensed domain name may be revoked by Spiegel at any time if the licensee does not comply with the acceptable use requirements contained in the Policy, or any other contractual requirements as may be established in the particular license agreement.

 

 

  1. ii) What do you anticipate your proposed gTLD will add to the current space, in terms of competition, differentiation, or innovation?

 

The “.SPIEGEL” TLD will provide an outstanding alternative to the currently-available gTLD spaces, in that it will serve as an easy-to-locate, centralized source of information. Internet users will quickly come to recognize the space as the sole authentic location to research and interact with the Spiegel company, which will set the TLD apart from other online spaces. Within the new TLD, the company will be able to easily organize information into a well-integrated, user-friendly format, simplifying navigation for routine and first-time visitors alike.

 

Additionally, the use of the “.SPIEGEL” TLD will have the added benefit of reducing the number of domain name registrations that the company will need to register and maintain with existing registration providers. This effect, multiplied across the many companies and organizations that choose to own and operate their own TLDs, may as a side effect result in increased competition among the existing registration providers. They may need to compete more fiercely for the remaining business interest in the existing TLDs, with so many organizations offering use and⁄or registration of domain names within the new TLD spaces. The logical effect should be lower pricing and better service for all Internet users.

 

The “.SPIEGEL” TLD will further enable the company in its research and development efforts, by proving a wealth of accessible domain names from which to choose. Today, it is often difficult to find a relevant, available domain name for the launch of a new product, or an innovative marketing campaign, from existing registration providers. Even if one is found, often pricing is prohibitive because the domain name may only be available on the secondary market. Often, new domains must be purchased from third parties and closely managed as corporate assets. These expenses and complications, which can hinder companies and, in some cases, delay the release of innovative new products and services to the public, can be dramatically reduced over time. Furthermore, an ample supply of immediately available, inexpensive domain names relevant to Spiegel and its activities are likely to pay dividends in additional ways which are currently difficult to foresee.

 

Furthermore, the proposed “.SPIEGEL” TLD will be a “clean space” for Internet users, clients and affiliates seeking information about the company, its award-winning news stories, interactive user content, books and ebook publications, and other user-oriented content. Since Spiegel will have control over all of the registrations in the space, the risk of abusive use of these domain names is greatly mitigated. It is anticipated there would be no opportunity for bad actors to impersonate authorized corporate agents, perpetrate fraud, or engage in dangerous and illegal Internet scams such as phishing or pharming. Internet users will find only authentic, Spiegel-authorized content within the “.SPIEGEL” space, providing them with a level of comfort and safety which the current gTLD landscape cannot give them. The “.SPIEGEL” pages will connect Internet users to authorized, safe sites, helping them to find relevant resources and information.

 

 

iii) What goals does your proposed gTLD have in terms of user experience?

 

The TLD ultimately is intended to function as Spiegel’s online centralized information and services platform, which will serve as the company’s initial and primary interface with its millions of readers, customers, and casual Internet visitors. It is intended to function with leading-edge technologies and business practices, ensuring a trustworthy and positive user experience.

 

The goal is to use Spiegel’s existing online infrastructure, services and marketing to encourage Internet users to interact online with the company. Specifically, Spiegel intends for users to perceive the TLD as a trustworthy source of its online information, products, ongoing research and results, service locations, and detailed data concerning its various facilities. Accordingly, Spiegel will use advanced technical and policy measures to ensure the security of online transactions and communications, and to ensure that domain names in the TLD are only used for authorized purposes. Spiegel intends to provide a safe and legitimate Internet space, enhancing user experience by mitigating security-associated risks.

 

The TLD will reinforce the ideals of the Spiegel corporation. Therefore, domains within the TLD will only be used for purposes authorized by Spiegel, and the company will closely monitor the content of any and all licensed domains. Domain usage guidelines will be established and enforced in order to safeguard the Internet user experience and the reputation of the space. In addition, the TLD will provide an easily navigable and predictable domain name space.

 

The Internet user can expect, when entering the “.SPIEGEL” TLD, to find authentic, up-to-date information displayed in an intuitive, easy-to-navigate fashion. Second-level registrations will be carefully selected by Spiegel, and their content routinely monitored to ensure that Internet users receive the maximum benefit when utilizing the “.SPIEGEL” space.

 

Thus, the “.SPIEGEL” space is designed to provide an unparalleled user experience in terms of stability, safety, and facile user interface.

 

 

  1. iv) Provide a complete description of SPIEGEL’s intended registration policies in support of the goals listed above.

 

It is envisaged that Spiegel will be the sole registrant of domain names within the TLD, which will ensure that such domain names only are used for purposes authorized by Spiegel in its online brand promotion and customer service efforts. A draft version of the anticipated Domain Name Registration and Use Policy for the “.SPIEGEL” space is provided at the end of the answer to question 18(c).

 

 

  1. v) Will your proposed gTLD impose any measures for protecting the privacy or confidential information of registrants or users?

 

Spiegel intends for users to perceive the TLD as a unique, trustworthy source of its online information and services. User trust is enhanced when said users are confident that they are in fact interacting with the website and service they are intending to interact with, and that their private or confidential information is securely protected. Spiegel intends to use advanced technical and policy measures to reasonably ensure the security of online transactions and communications, and to reasonably ensure that domain names in the TLD are only used for authorized purposes. Spiegel intends to provide a safe and legitimate Internet space, enhancing user experience by mitigating security-associated risks.

 

Spiegel intends to deploy DNSSEC and to comply with all of the other policies and practices required by ICANN in the Registry Agreement and⁄or via any Consensus Policy. Spiegel will also comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to Internet security and the privacy of users’ confidential information.

 

Spiegel is committed to making the “.SPIEGEL” space fully compliant with all published best practices guidelines, including the APWG Anti-Phishing Best Practices for Registrars, and the SSAC docs: SAC 007, 025, 028, 035, 038, 040 (available at: http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄committees⁄security⁄ssac-documents.htm). For further information concerning privacy protections and data security within the “.SPIEGEL” space, please refer to the answers contained in section 23, 26, 28 and 29 below.

 

 

  1. vi) Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will help to achieve your projected benefits.

 

By featuring the new TLD in its upcoming branding initiatives, marketing, and advertising, Spiegel believes Internet users will become familiar with the new space. It anticipates using its new TLD on all marketing and promotional materials, encouraging users to interact with them on the new websites. Given the anticipated benefits of the new space and its effective navigational structure, Spiegel believes Internet users will readily adopt the TLD and look forward to visiting the space regularly.

 

Naturally, communication is vital to the success of any online location. Accordingly, Spiegel will showcase and feature the new space in its publicity materials, and provide links to new content from its existing webpages available within the “.DE” space. Spiegel believes that with time, publicity, and word-of-mouth communications, Internet users will soon become familiar with the space.

 

Additionally, noting that many other large trademark owners appear to be considering the adoption of “.BRAND” TLDs, Spiegel believes that within a short time consumers will become accustomed to searching for these sponsored, brand-owned and managed spaces in which to conduct their online transactions.

 

18(c). What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?

The TLD ultimately is intended to function as Spiegel’s online centralized information platform. It is intended to function with leading-edge technologies to ensure a trustworthy and positive user experience. Spiegel intends to use advanced technical and policy measures to ensure the security and reliability of online transactions and communications taking place on domains within the TLD, and to ensure that domain names in the TLD are only used for authorized purposes.

 

Naturally, as Spiegel will be the registrant of all domain names within the space, it will have full control over the content displayed on “.SPIEGEL” websites. Spiegel intends to provide a safe and trustworthy Internet space, enhancing user experience by mitigating security-associated risks.

 

The TLD is designed to reinforce the corporate ideals of the Spiegel company, and to provide an online forum by which the company may communicate with its broad-ranging network of readers, customers and casual Internet visitors. Therefore, domains within the TLD will only be used for purposes authorized by Spiegel. Domain usage guidelines will be implemented and enforced to constantly ensure the integrity of users’ “.SPIEGEL” experience and the reputation of the TLD.

 

All domain name registrations within the “.SPIEGEL” space shall be held by Spiegel. Spiegel may, in its sole discretion, elect to license domain name registrations to affiliated entities, such as affiliated companies or journalists, to further the business interests of the company. All domain name registrations and license agreements shall incorporate the usage requirements set out in the Domain Name Registration and Usage Policy for ”.SPIEGEL,” a draft version of which is provided at the end of this section. Spiegel intends that no domain name in the “.SPIEGEL” space shall be used in a manner which:

 

- infringes any other third parties rights

- is in breach with any applicable laws, government rules or requirements

 

or for the purposes of:

 

- undertaking any illegal or fraudulent actions, including spam or phishing activities, or

- defaming Spiegel or its businesses, affiliates, employees, etc.

 

The “.SPIEGEL” domain space shall be used for the benefit of the Spiegel company. Spiegel will have the right to revoke any domain name license agreement should it deem such action appropriate for the benefit of Spiegel and its business interests.

 

The content and use of all registered “.SPIEGEL” domain names will be monitored by Spiegel on an ongoing basis, and compliance with the contractual restrictions and guidelines will be enforced. Violations of any restrictions, guidelines or other contractual conditions may result in termination of the relevant domain name license.

 

Spiegel will implement a Sunrise period of 30 days for the purpose of complying with ICANN requirements. However, because Spiegel will be the sole registrant within this space, there will be no other registrants eligible to reserve or register a domain during this period. Spiegel will develop and implement an appropriate Sunrise Dispute Resolution Policy (SDRP), containing the elements specified by ICANN, for the resolution of any disputes which might in theory arise during this period.

 

During the initial launch period, for no less than 60 days, a Trademark Claims Services system will be in place as required by ICANN. During this period there will be a notice sent to the prospective registrant of any “.SPIEGEL” domain name, prior to its registration, should such domain name constitute an identical match of a mark registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse. Moreover the right owner or owners, as recorded in the Trademark Clearinghouse, will be informed once any such domain name has been registered following this event.

 

 

  1. i) How will multiple applications for a particular domain name be resolved, for example, by auction or on a first-come⁄first-serve basis?

 

All domain name registrations within the “.SPIEGEL” space will be held by Spiegel itself. Spiegel may, in its sole discretion, elect to license the use of “.SPIEGEL” domain names to affiliated entities, such as affiliated companies or journalists, but Spiegel shall be the registrant of record for all domain names within the TLD space. Only entities affiliated with Spiegel, such as affiliated companies or journalists, will be eligible to license the use of “.SPIEGEL” domain names, and such licensees shall be required to use the domains for the purposes specified by Spiegel under the terms of their relevant license agreements. Spiegel will maintain, at all times, control over the content and use of the domains within the new TLD, and will remain the sole registrant of record.

 

Every request for a new “.SPIEGEL” domain name registration and licence agreement would be first approved, in every instance, by the Legal Department of Spiegel. The contact individual from the Legal Department will check for compliance with the applicable Policy, and review the request for potential conflicts with the rights of third parties, before forwarding the request to the IT resource. The IT resource will check for DNS compliance and will register the requested domain name through an ICANN-accredited registrar, which will then be integrated with Spiegel’s registry service provider, KSregistry GmbH.

 

This single-registrant system will ensure that the TLD remains a tightly controlled, safe space for Internet users, and will ensure that the network of registrations remains well-organized. These protections will naturally inure to the benefit of Internet users interested in the high-quality news materials available in the “.SPIEGEL” space.

 

 

  1. ii) Explain any cost benefits for registrants you intend to implement (e.g., advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts).

 

As outlined above, all domain name registrations in the TLD space will be held by the Spiegel itself and pricing (if any) of domain registrations will be a matter of company policy.

 

 

iii) Do you intend to make contractual commitments to registrants regarding the magnitude of price escalation?

 

As noted above, Spiegel will be the sole holder of all domain name registrations in the TLD. Accordingly, Spiegel does not intend to make any commitments regarding the magnitude of price escalation.

 

 

A full text draft version of the anticipated Domain Name Registration and Usage Policy for “.SPIEGEL” is provided below.

 

DRAFT Domain Name Registration and Use Policy for “.SPIEGEL”

 

  1. General principles

 

  1. Purpose

 

The “.SPIEGEL” Top Level Domain (ʺTLDʺ) established by and for the use of Spiegel. Spiegel will, with the advice and assistance of the Registry Service Provider KSregistry GmbH and relevant governmental bodies, develop, maintain and enforce effective TLD management strategies to manage the “.SPIEGEL” space.

 

This Policy is intended to be updated and revised regularly to reflect the needs of Spiegel. The current version of this Policy will be made publicly available at: [insert website when determined].

 

The registration of domain names within the “.SPIEGEL” TLD shall be restricted to Spiegel itself, thus following a single-registrant model. Spiegel may, in its sole discretion, elect to license registrations within this space to affiliated entities, such as affiliated companies or journalists.

 

  1. Registration Policy

 

As indicated above, the “.SPIEGEL” space will follow a single-registrant model. Thus, Spiegel shall be the only entity eligible to register domain names within the “.SPIEGEL” TLD.

 

  1. Domain Allocation Rules

 

  1. String Requirements and Reserved Names

 

String Requirements

 

Second-Level Domain names within the TLD must only include hyphens in the third and fourth position if they represent valid internationalized domain names in their ASCII encoding (for example ʺxn--ndk061nʺ), and must otherwise comply with any other applicable ICANN requirements.

 

Reserved Names

 

  1. The label “EXAMPLE” shall be reserved at the second level and at all other levels within the TLD at which Registry Operator makes registrations
  2. Two-character labels. All two-character labels shall be initially reserved. The reservation of a two-character label string may be released to the extent that Registry Operator reaches agreement with the government and country-code manager. The Registry Operator may also propose release of these reservations based on its implementation of measures to avoid confusion with the corresponding country codes
  3. Second-Level Reservations for Registry Operations. The following names are reserved for use in connection with the operation of the registry for the TLD: NIC, WWW, IRIS and WHOIS
  4. The List of Reserved Names shall be compiled by SPIEGEL and will be publicly posted online at [ website to be determined ]. SPIEGEL reserves the right to include new names in the list of reserved names

 

Country and Territory Names

 

The country and territory names contained in the following internationally recognized lists shall be initially reserved at the second level and at all other levels within the TLD at which the Registry Operator provides for registrations:

  1. the short form (in English) of all country and territory names contained on the ISO 3166-1 list, as updated from time to time, including the European Union, which is exceptionally reserved on the ISO 3166-1 list, and its scope extended in August 1999 to any application needing to represent the name European Union 〈http:⁄⁄www.iso.org⁄iso⁄support⁄country_codes⁄iso_3166_code_lists⁄iso-3166-1_decoding_table.htm#EU〉;
  2. the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names, Technical Reference Manual for the Standardization of Geographical Names, Part III Names of Countries of the World; and
  3. the list of United Nations member states in 6 official United Nations languages prepared by the Working Group on Country Names of the United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names; provided, that the reservation of specific country and territory names may be released to the extent that Registry Operator reaches agreement with the applicable government(s), provided, further, that Registry Operator may also propose release of these reservations, subject to review by ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee and approval by ICANN.

 

  1. Registration and Licensing Rules

 

  1. Registration period and renewals

 

A “.SPIEGEL” domain name may be registered, and renewed at the end of each registration period, subject to the current terms and conditions offered by the concerned Registrar.

 

  1. Licensing of domain name registrations

 

Spiegel may, in its sole discretion, elect to license domain name registrations within the “.SPIEGEL” space to affiliated entities, such as affiliated companies or journalists. In all cases, however, Spiegel will remain the registrant of record for all domain name registrations within the TLD, and shall retain the authority to modify or terminate such registrations at any time via the concerned registrar.

 

  1. Acceptable Usage Guidelines for “.SPIEGEL” Domain Names

 

  1. Acceptable Use

 

The “.SPIEGEL” space is intended to function as Spiegel’s online corporate branding platform, and as such the registrations therein should generally support the goals and mission of the organization.

 

SPIEGEL intends that no domain name in the “.SPIEGEL” space shall be used in a manner which:

 

- infringes any other third parties rights

- is in breach with any applicable laws, government rules or requirements

 

or for the purposes of:

 

- undertaking any illegal or fraudulent actions, including spam or phishing activities, or

- defaming Spiegel or its businesses, affiliates, employees, etc.

 

The Legal Department of Spiegel will routinely monitor the use of all domain names registered in the TLD space to ensure that the content displayed thereon is in the best interests of the company and its business endeavours.

 

  1. Dispute Resolution Policies

 

  1. Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (ʺUDRPʺ)

 

The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (ʺUDRPʺ) shall apply to any challenges to registered domain names on the grounds that: 1) such domain names are identical or confusingly similar to a trademark in which the complainant has rights, 2) the registrant lacks rights or legitimate interests in the domain name, and 3) the domain name has been registered and used in bad faith. The full text of the UDRP is located at the following address: http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄dndr⁄udrp⁄policy.htm

 

  1. Uniform Rapid Suspension System (“URS”)

 

The Uniform Rapid Suspension System (“URS”) shall apply to any challenges to registered domain names on the grounds that: 1) such domain names are identical or confusingly similar to a trademark in which the complainant has rights, 2) the registrant lacks rights or legitimate interests in the domain name, and 3) the domain name has been registered and used in bad faith. The full text of the URS is located at the following address: [insert website when available].

 

  1. Trademark Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure (Trademark PDDRP)

 

Spiegel’s Registry Service Provider KSregistry GmbH for “.SPIEGEL” shall agree to be bound by the Trademark Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure (Trademark PDDRP). The Trademark PDDRP applies to challenges by trademark holders claiming that one or more of its marks have been infringed, and thereby the trademark holder has been harmed, by the registry operator’s manner of operation or use of the gTLD. The full text of the Trademark PDDRP is located at the following address: [insert website when available].