.KPMG New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: KPMG International Cooperative (KPMG International Genossenschaft)
Application Downloaded On: 09 Jan 2014
String: KPMG
Application ID: 1-1091-69197
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
KPMG International Cooperative (KPMG International Genossenschaft)
- Address of the principal place of business
Laan van Langerhuize 1 Amstelveen - 1186 DS NL
- Phone number
+ 31 20 656 6858
- Fax number
+ 31 20 656 6777
- If applicable, website or URL
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
David Green
6(b). Title
Head of Global Digital Marketing
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+1 416 777 8061
6(e). Fax Number
+1 416 777 8450
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Lorna Gradden
7(b). Title
Operations Director
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+44 207 421 8250
7(e). Fax Number
+44 870 011 8187
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Cooperative
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Canton of Zug, Switzerland
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
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
Name
Position
Alan Arthur Buckle Deputy Chairman
Andrew John Alexander Cranston Global Board member
Brian Ambrose Chief Operating Officer
Domenico Fumagalli Global Board member
Dr. Hans-Jürg Schürmann Member of the Administration
Dr. Teddy Svatopluk Stojan Member of the Administration
Frantisek Dostalek Global Board member
Gregory Gilbert Wiebe Global Head of Tax
Guillermo Garcia-Naranjo Alvarez Global Board member
Helen Braidwood Spice Chief Finance Officer
Helene Birgitta Willberg Global Board member
Herman Hendrik Johan Dijkhuizen Global Board and Global Executive Team member
Hideyo Uchiyama Chairman of the Asia Pacific (“ASPAC”) region
Hubert Emil Markus Achermann Global Board member and Lead Director
Jean-Luc Gerard Jacques Decornoy Global Board and Global Executive Team member
Jean-Paul Thill EMA Chief Executive Officer
Jesper Koefoed Global Board member
Joachim Schindler Global Head of Audit
John Graham Dickinson Authorised signatory
John Brady Veihmeyer Chairman of the Americas region
John Guthrie Griffith-Jones Global Board and Global Executive Team member
John Maclean Scott Global Board member
Ken Young-Gak Yun Global Board member
Larry Antonio Leva Global Vice Chair – Quality and Risk Management
Mark Alan Goodburn Global Head of Advisory
Michael John Andrew Chairman
Pedro Augusto de Melo Global Board member
Peter Stanley Nash Global Board and Global Executive Team member
Raboijane Moses Kgosana Global Board member
Rachel Mary Campbell Global Head of People, Performance and Culture
Rolf Eberhard Nonnenmacher Chairman of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMA”) region
Russell Ivan Parera Global Board member
Sai Choy Tham Global Board member
Sean Timothy Kelly Americas Chief Operating Officer
Stephen Kin Wah Yiu Global Board and Global Executive Team member
Terence Francis O’Rourke Global Board and Global Executive Team member
Thomas Owen Gilbert Wethered General Counsel
William Bruce Thomas Global Board and Global Executive Team member
Yap Chee Meng ASPAC Chief Operating Officer
Applied-for gTLD string
- Provide the applied-for gTLD string. If an IDN, provide the U-label.
KPMG
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.
As the applied-for gTLD string is not an IDN and is consistent with the requirements of the Applicant Guidebook Section 2.2.1.3.2 (String Requirements), KPMG does not believe there are any known operational or rendering problems concerning the string.
- 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.
KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 153 countries and have 145,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG member firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.
We contribute to the effective functioning of international capital markets. We support reforms that strengthen the markets’ credibility and their social responsibility. We believe that similar reform must extend to the professional realm.
We aim to respond to the complex business challenges facing clients and adopt a global approach spanning professional disciplines, industry sectors and national borders.
Member firmsʹ clients include business corporations, governments and public sector agencies and not-for-profit organizations. They look to KPMG for a consistent standard of service based on high order professional capabilities, industry insight and local knowledge.
At KPMG, we try to create sustainable, long-term economic growth, not just for our member firms and their clients but for broader society, too. We seek to be a good corporate citizen, making a real difference to the communities in which we operate.
Combined revenues for KPMG member firms totalled US$22.7 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, a 10.1 percent increase in U.S. dollars, or 6.2 percent in local currency terms, on the previous year.
The .KPMG registry will be a standard, not a community-based, registry. Its purpose will be:
- To provide a platform for the delivery of secure digital material for industry professionals.
- To protect KPMG’s intellectual property and ensure that the integrity of our brand is enhanced at the highest possible level in the domain name system. We have a portfolio of registered intellectual property rights around the world and securing the term .KPMG, will enable us to harmonise our current brand protection policies.
- To ensure KPMG remains at the forefront of innovation by keeping pace with internet technology developments, enabling us to be well positioned to exploit future benefits.
- To contribute to the development of the new gTLD programme.
The success of the .KPMG registry will be determined by the enhancement in the equity of the KPMG brand and in terms of the security and stability it brings to our communications.
Before launching this TLD, KPMG will develop and publish its policies and guidelines, setting out full details of how the registry will implement its vision and purpose as set out in this answer. KPMG may adapt its policies and proposed use of the gTLD in a manner consistent with the purpose, to reflect changes in its business and the adoption of new gTLDs by the community.
18B. How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
The registry will be strictly for the use of KPMG firms only, but it is predicted that it will also benefit others:
- Our clients: a new .KPMG registry will benefit them because it will provide an authenticated and more secure communication channel.
- Our existing and future employees: a new gTLD will demonstrate that KPMG is at the forefront of developments in internet technology as well as reinforcing our brand worldwide and providing a more secure communication channel.
- Internet users: the branded .KPMG gTLD will act as a clear signpost for internet users to genuine KPMG domains and associated content. It will therefore increase consumer and client trust and reduce the possibility of malicious conduct. It may also allow us to engage with internet users in their native language creating a more positive user experience.
What is the goal of your proposed gTLD in terms of areas of specialty, service levels or reputation?
The integrity of our brand is of paramount importance to us and this will be reflected in the treatment of the new gTLD. Our goal is to position ourselves so that we can exploit the latest internet advances in order to enhance our brand and reputation still further and to exploit future technological benefits as they arise. The new registry will be designed so that it is 100% ICANN compliant.
What do you anticipate your proposed gTLD will add to the current space in terms of competition, differentiation or innovation?
We are eager to operate a registry with shorter domain names that are universally applicable across the globe. We feel a new gTLD also offers clarity, enabling clients and internet users in general to place their trust in our registry. Most importantly, the new gTLD will also provide opportunities for enhanced, secure communication and reduced risk.
There are currently no gTLD registries dedicated to brand owners and we look forward to being among the first to apply. We believe that .KPMG offers potential for innovation and a point of differentiation between us and our competitors.
We look forward to utilising our new registry in conjunction with our current domains and will market under the term .KPMG if the new gTLD process proves to be a success as is anticipated. It enables us to leave behind complex naming hierarchies inherent in country code extensions.
What goals does your proposed gTLD have in terms of user experience?
We hope that our member firms’ clients, wherever they may be geographically based, know they are in a trusted and authentic destination once they arrive at a .KPMG domain name. We want them to be confident that they will receive accurate information and that their highly sensitive personal details will be securely protected. We believe that it will also offer an easy and more memorable reference point for our customers, as well as the opportunity for us to interact with them in their native languages.
Provide a complete description of the applicant’s intended registration policies in support of the goals above
KPMG International Cooperative is the operator of the .KPMG registry. The KPMG Domain Name Management team is responsible for the development, maintenance and enforcement of the KPMG Domain Management Policy. This policy defines the rules associated with eligibility and domain name allocation, sets out the terms governing the use of a .KPMG domain name and describes the dispute resolution policies for the KPMG gTLD. The policy will be updated and revised regularly to reflect KPMG’s commercial and strategic interests and, where appropriate, ICANN consensus and temporary policies.
Registration of a .KPMG domain name will be undertaken in four steps: Eligibility Confirmation, Naming Convention Check, Acceptable Use Review, and finally Registration. All domains in the .KPMG registry will remain the property of KPMG.
Each applied for A-Label character string must conform to the .KPMG rules of eligibility and must:
- Be at least 1 character and no more than 63 characters long
- Not contain a hyphen on the 3rd and 4th position (except for IDNs)
- Contain only letters (a-z), numbers (0-9) and hyphens or a combination of these
- Start and end with an alphanumeric character, not a hyphen
- Not match any character strings reserved by ICANN
- Not match any protected country names or geographical terms.
Internationalized domain names (IDN) will be supported in the .KPMG registry at the second level. KPMG will ensure that no variants will be used.
.KPMG domains must be used solely for purposes that enhance KPMG’s strategic or commercial interests.
The .KPMG registry will respect (i) third party intellectual property rights, and (ii) the sensitivities regarding terms with national, cultural, geographic and religious significance.
.KPMG names may not be delegated or assigned to or used by third party organizations, institutions, or individuals.
All .KPMG domains will carry complete, accurate and up to date registration records.
The KPMG Domain Name Management Team may revoke a .KPMG domain name at any time in line with KPMG’s corporate and strategic interests.
The KPMG registry will be ICANN compliant: the registry will interface with the Trademark Clearinghouse, operate a Sunrise and IP Claims Service and all registrants must comply with the UDRP and the URS.
Will your proposed gTLD impose any measures for protecting the privacy or confidential information of registrants or users?
As a global network of firms regularly involved in handling highly confidential client data, we take our responsibility to protect the private information of our clients and staff very seriously.
The .KPMG registry will continue our policy of protecting confidential information to the highest possible levels in accordance with relevant national and international laws and regulations. KPMG will comply with the Personal Data obligations of the ICANN Registry Agreement as set forth in Section 2.10 of Registry Agreement. Approved representatives will be registered as data handlers and trained to ensure compliance with ICANN’s requirements.
We will:
- Document policies and procedures for all aspects of the gTLD including protecting privacy and confidential information including an escalation process
- Use appropriate levels of encryption and physical security
- Train key staff on the use and operation of .KPMG and ensure responsibilities are understood and documented in rules of conduct
- Limit access to records only to those employees or service providers who need access for the performance of their job duties
- Test procedures relating to .KPMG
- Monitor best practice and ICANN’s mandated and recommended policies
- Audit the work of the Registry Services Provider and the escrow provider and check registry data before sending to ICANN.
- Report any attempts to gain unauthorised access to the gTLD systems to appropriate enforcement authorities as required by law.
Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will help to achieve your projected benefits?
We will produce and publish guidelines for internal use. These are intended to provide clarity on who can apply for a .KPMG domain and how it is to be used. This is a standard registry closed to third parties so these guidelines should ensure that .KPMG domains are registered in accordance with KPMG’s policies by authorised KPMG representatives only. We will create a home page for the registry, using clear and straightforward messaging for the benefit of internal users so that our policy is understood and complied with.
In the longer term, it is hoped that these measures will contribute to assisting internet users beyond KPMG to understand that .KPMG domains are genuine and are trusted signposts to authentic and secure information or services. To that end, over time we will also take measures to promote .KPMG as the address for all KPMG web properties. We will also participate in the ICANN Registry Operators Constituency.
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 previously stated, the .KPMG registry will be a standard registry closed to third parties and will be used only by KPMG member firms. There should not be any social costs or negative consequences on consumers. Rather, .KPMG should benefit consumers and internet users as described above. We will use the Trademark Clearing House and other dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure that third party intellectual property rights are protected.
How will multiple applications for a particular domain be resolved, for example, by auction or on a first come first served basis?
There will be no market in .KPMG domains. We will not receive multiple applications for a particular domain and, therefore, there will be no need for any resolution.
Explain any cost benefits for registrants you intend to implement (e.g. advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts).
.KPMG domain names will be registered to KPMG only. As there will be no registration fee, the issue of cost benefits for registrants does not arise.
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 10 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?
The KPMG Domain Name Management Team will set the period of registration for .KPMG domains. We are applying for .KPMG to support our strategic goals and to protect our IP not to generate revenues from selling domains. Therefore it will not be necessary to consider contractual commitments nor issues around pricing including price escalation though we will comply with the provisions of Section 2.10 of the Registry Agreement.