.bosch New gTLD Application
Click to view Chinese translation articles.
-----------------------------------
New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Robert Bosch GMBH
Application Downloaded On: 10 Feb 2015
String: bosch
Application ID: 1-1945-29108
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Robert Bosch GMBH
- Address of the principal place of business
Robert Bosch Platz 1 Gerlingen-Schillerhoehe - 70839 DE
- Phone number
+49 711 8110
- Fax number
+49 711 811 6630
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.bosch.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Dieter Alvermann
6(b). Title
Director Corporate Intellectual Property Trademarks and Tradenames
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+49 711 811 33168
6(e). Fax Number
+49 711 811 33182
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Ulrich Spieth
7(b). Title
Senior Expert Digital Communications
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+49 711 811 6962
7(e). Fax Number
+49 711 811 516 2766
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Germany
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
Christoph Kübel Board Member
Dr. -Ing. Werner Struth Board Member
Dr. rer. nat. Volkmar Denner Chairman
Dr. rer. pol. Stefan Asenkerschbaumer Deputy Chairman
Dr.-Ing. Dirk Hoheisel Board Member
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hartung Board Member
Peter Tyroller Board Member
Rolf Bulander Board Member
Uwe Raschke Board Member
Wolf-Henning Scheider Board Member
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
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.
bosch
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 .bosch 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
- .bosch 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 .bosch has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .bosch will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Robert Bosch GmBH does not believe that the .bosch 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 .BOSCH gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST AND CONSUMER CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE ASSURANCE OF BRAND AUTHENTICITY.
The .bosch 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 Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch) and its partners, franchisees and subsidiaries will be closely controlled by Bosch. The majority of the anticipated domain name registrations in the .bosch gTLD will be used in the sales, marketing and communication of Bosch products and services. .bosch gTLD will allow Bosch to maintain their strong online brand presence.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, more than 285,000 associates generated sales of more than 47.3 billion euros in 2010 fiscal year. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. Together with the Bosch Group’s global sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch invested 3.8 billion euros for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.
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. The .bosch domain name will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with Bosch online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
Bosch’s mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. Bosch is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .bosch gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Bosch, its partners, franchisees and subsidiaries, which will provide added consumer trust that .bosch domain names are trustworthy. As .bosch domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Bosch’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .bosch 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 such initiatives through its operation focussed on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in .bosch 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 Bosch’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 Bosch. As Bosch has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .bosch domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .bosch gTLD, the projected number of registrations is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a limited number of domain names (approximately 50) will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the registration may increase to around 200 domain names. As Bosch gains insight into user experiences towards the new gTLD, the number of registrations will increase to utilise the .bosch domain names in the sales and marketing activities of the company.
As the new .bosch gTLD expands and evolves, Bosch will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and the stability of the internet. Bosch will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to .bosch gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
Bosch will be able to create relevant domain names for use including product, services names in the second or third level domain names. At a later stage, Bosch may also use geographic names and Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level in accordance with registration policies and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22. The use of geographic names and IDNs are intended to:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory;
- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory; and
- allow internet users to engage with .bosch in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
Bosch is a well-recognised global brand with its trademarks registered in over 180 countries and territories for the categories, including but not limited to: automotive parts, machines and machine tools, power tools, thermotechnic appliances and security appliances. Furthermore, Bosch has 215 existing domain names containing an exact match to the ‘Bosch’ trademark.
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 .bosch gTLD are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Bosch also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which Bosch 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 .bosch gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .bosch gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with Bosch by providing a distinctive domain space. Internet users will be able to directly navigate to .bosch 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. Bosch can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .bosch domain space. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under .bosch domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and Bosch.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of .bosch gTLD as a trusted site for Bosch 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 .bosch domain space. As a result, .bosch will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .bosch 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.
INNOVATION:
With the expansion of the internet community to all corners of the world, the existing TLD structure presents limitations, not only in the availability of domain names for registrants, but also to businesses and organisations establishing a coherent global online brand presence to meet their evolving business needs. It is often difficult to register a domain name in existing domain space due to unavailability of the desired name. This problem is amplified for organisations such as Bosch 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. Bosch has the ability to create second or third level domain names including the use of geographic names and IDNs on demand which are relevant to its customer base, its services and products. Bosch will be able to combine its use of the domain space with innovative user focused marketing and services to address the currently unmet needs in the existing domain name system, providing greater consumer choice.
18(b)iii. WHAT GOALS DOES YOUR PROPOSED gTLD HAVE IN TERMS OF USER EXPERIENCE?
The proposed .bosch gTLD will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Bosch will maintain control in the registration and use of domain names and will ensure that the new gTLD will only be used for purposes authorised by Bosch. Therefore, .bosch gTLD will:
- provide an easy and intuitive reference and access point for internet users;
- represent authenticity thus promoting user confidence;
- direct internet users to relevant information in a timely manner by creating domain names on demand;
- use IDNs to enable customers to interact directly in their native language;
- use geographic names to localise its websites to connect with internet users in the relevant regions and to comply with local laws;
- enhance security and minimise security risks by implementing necessary technical and policy measures;
- strengthen brand reputation and user confidence by eliminating user confusion; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
.bosch 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 .bosch 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 affiliate entities of Bosch will be eligible to register domain names in .bosch. The domain name registration processes will address all 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.
Bosch 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 but not limited to the German federal data protection law Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (BDSG) (Germany).
Bosch also has implemented its own privacy policy to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. The privacy policy outlines the collection and processing of personal data, the use and disclosure of personal data and specific purpose as well as security measures implemented.
As the .bosch gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of Bosch, 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. Bosch will provide a publicly available and searchable WHOIS look up facility, where information about the domain name status and 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, Bosch will utilise measures including a requirement where any person submitting a WHOIS database query is required to read and agree to the terms and conditions in accordance with the registration policy. This will include the terms of use that the WHOIS database is provided for information purposes only and that the user agrees not to use the information for any other purposes such as allowing or enabling the transmission of unsolicited commercial advertising or other communication.
Bosch will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Bosch and its users interacting with Bosch online. DNSSEC provides additional security by validating information in the transmission, therefore it is intended to benefit those who public information in the domain name system (DNS) and the users who retrieve information from the new .bosch gTLD. Bosch already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access.
Bosch 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 .bosch 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 publicised in Boschʹs communication activities in order to promote recognition of the .bosch gTLD within the internet community to be a trusted site and as a sign of authenticity. Over time, it is foreseen that communication to the internet community of the existence of .bosch and encouragement to utilise the trusted site will contribute towards minimising malicious abuses and protecting internet users.
18C. What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs (e.g., time or financial resource costs, as well as various types of consumer vulnerabilities)? What other steps will you take to minimize negative consequences/costs imposed upon consumers?
As a restricted gTLD, registration will only be open to internal users (affiliate entities) at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under .bosch domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .bosch gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Bosch will utilise the services of the proposed Trademark Clearinghouse to ensure that domain names registered and the use of those domain names, do not infringe any registered third party intellectual property rights.
No unaffiliated third party will be permitted to register domain names. It is estimated that the trusted new gTLDs such as the .bosch gTLD will contribute towards minimising any social costs including reducing time and money spent by consumers who have been targeted by malicious abuse on the internet previously.
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 use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to internal business use by Bosch. Bosch and its affiliate entities are intended to be the registrants under the .bosch gTLD. Therefore conflicts between multiple applications are not anticipated to occur.
18(c)ii. EXPLAIN ANY COST BENEFITS FOR REGISTRANTS YOU INTEND TO IMPLEMENT (E.G., ADVANTAGEOUS PRICING, INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNTS, BULK REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS).
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only at this stage, so pricing incentives are not applicable or relevant.
18(c)iii. NOTE THAT THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES THAT REGISTRARS BE OFFERED THE OPTION TO OBTAIN INITIAL DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATIONS FOR PERIODS OF ONE TO TEN YEARS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REGISTRAR, BUT NO GREATER THAN TEN YEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF PRICE INCREASES. DO YOU INTEND TO MAKE CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS TO REGISTRANTS REGARDING THE MAGNITUDE OF PRICE ESCALATION? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PLAN.
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only at this stage, so pricing incentives or pricing increases are not applicable or relevant as no additional fees are to be charged.