.accenture New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Accenture plc
String: accenture
Originally Posted: 13 June 2012
Application ID: 1-2024-58277
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Accenture plc
- Address of the principal place of business
1 Grand Canal Square, Grand Harbour
Dublin Dublin 2
IE
- Phone number
+1 353 1 646-2000
- Fax number
- If applicable, website or URL
http:⁄⁄www.accenture.com
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Mr. Christopher Sean McConnell
6(b). Title
Manager, Internet Marketing
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+1 312 693 5206
6(e). Fax Number
+1 312 6935206
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Mr. Charles Hale Teeter
7(b). Title
Senior Manager
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+1 312 693 0042
7(e). Fax Number
+1 312 652 0042
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
The Applicant is a stock corporation
8(b). State the specific national or other jursidiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Ireland
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.
NASDAQ;ACN
9(b). If the applying entity is a subsidiary, provide the parent company.
Accenture plc
9(c). If the applying entity is a joint venture, list all joint venture partners.
n⁄a
Applicant Background
11(a). Name(s) and position(s) of all directors
Pierre Nanterme Chairman & CEO, Accenture
Nobuyuki Idei Director
William Kimsey Director
Charles Giancarlo Director
Gilles Pelisson Director
Blyth McGarvie Director
Marjorie Magner Director
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart Director
Robert Lipp Director
Wulf Von Schimmelmann Director
Dina Dublon Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
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.
accenture
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 .accenture 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
- .accenture 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 .accenture has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .accenture will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Accenture plc does not believe that the .accenture 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 .ACCENTURE gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE ELIMINATION OF USER CONFUSION AND ASSURANCE OF BRAND AUTHENTICITY.
The new .accenture gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Accenture plc (Accenture) can create and control domain spaces that promote its brand identity and authenticity. In this regard, the .accenture gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for Accenture to provide information, services and resources to consumers in a way that promotes trust, convenience and utility. Second and third level domains can then be utilised for brand clarity purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 261,000 employees serving clients in more than 120 countries. Accenture has offices and operations in more than 200 cities in 54 countries. Accenture works with organizations of all sizes, including 89 companies listed on Fortune Global 100 and more than three quarters that are listed on Fortune Global 500. Accenture also has extensive relationships with the world’s leading companies and governments. Accenture has also been ranked since 2002 by ʺInterbrandʺ as one of top 100 Best Global Brands. In 2011 Accenture ranked 45th with a brand value of $8B and No. 49 on Financial Times’ BrandZ ‘Top 100 Most Powerful Brands’ in 2011. Accenture is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the S & P 500. Accenture generated net revenues of USD25.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011. Accenture collaborates with its client companies to help them become high performance businesses and governments. Accenture’s “high performance business” strategy builds on the company’s expertise in consulting, technology and outsourcing to deliver solutions to help its clients to:
- enter new markets;
- increase revenues;
- improve operational performance; and
- deliver their products and services more efficiently and effectively.
Accenture is committed to providing excellent solutions to its clients in all of its activities as reflected in Accenture’s new brand campaigned “High performance. Delivered” launched in 2011. In this regard, consumer trust and brand clarity are paramount considerations in Accenture’s application for the .accenture gTLD.
Business activities are increasingly conducted over the internet, allowing for greater levels of interaction between businesses and customers. As a result, both businesses and end users benefit from ease of interaction and a wider range of choices with lower transaction costs. However, the development in this arena in the current domain name system has exposed both businesses and consumers to increased criminal activities over the internet, 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 .accenture gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with Accenture online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
Accenture’s mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. Accenture is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .accenture gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Accenture, at this stage, which will provide added consumer trust that the .accenture domain names are trustworthy. As .accenture domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Accenture’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .accenture domain space;
- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice at the level of registration of domain names among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .accenture 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 Accenture’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 Accenture. As Accenture has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under the .accenture domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .accenture gTLD, the projected number of registrations is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of 5 domain names will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase to about 50 domain names as Accenture develops and implements new services and marketing campaigns and create product and service related domain names in the second or third levels for the .accenture gTLD.
As the new .accenture gTLD expands and evolves, Accenture will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and the stability of the internet. Accenture will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to .accenture gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
Accenture does not intend to use geographic names in the second level initially. However, at a later stage, Accenture may use geographic names to localise its websites in the countries in which it operates in accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22. Such use of geographic names will:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and
- comply with required rules and regulations in the relevant territory.
At this stage, Accenture does not intend to utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level. However, as the use of the .accenture gTLD evolves, Accenture may wish to utilise IDNs within the .accenture domain space to allow internet users to engage with .accenture in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
Accenture is a well-recognised global brand with its “Accenture” trademark registered by Accenture’s affiliate, Accenture Global Services GmbH, in 151 countries and territories including Germany, China, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, Korea, France, UK, France and US for categories such as Advertising and business (Class 35); Insurance and financial (Class 36) and Computer, scientific & legal (Class 42).
Further, Accenture has an extensive domain name portfolio including 145 existing domain names with an exact match to the applied-for .accenture string and its “Accenture” trademark in spaces such as accenture.com, accenture.co and accenture.co.uk. Accenture also has over 500 existing domain names containing the applied-for .accenture string in spaces such as accenturebusinessservices.com, accentureco.net and accentureconsulting.fr.
Recently, Accenture was successful in securing sunrise application for accenture.xxx and accenture.co based on existing trademark registration.
18(b). 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 .accenture gTLD are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Accenture also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which Accenture 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 .accenture gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .accenture gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with Accenture by providing a distinctive domain space to communicate and interact with Accenture. Internet users will be able to directly navigate to the .accenture gTLD site, saving time and resources searching for an official site. The .accenture gTLD will provide better brand clarity amongst its users by distinguishing Accenture’s large portfolio of expertise by its 3 main services – consulting, technology and outsourcing. Further, Accenture’s alignment with market leaders and emerging players of different industries is essential to its business of delivering a more complete solution to its clients. With the .accenture gTLD, Accenture will be able to develop a powerful network of alliances with a core objective of helping its clients to become high performance businesses. 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. Accenture can address some of these vulnerabilities by restricting registrations of domain names to its internal infrastructural use and maintaining complete control over the .accenture domain space. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under the .accenture domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and Accenture.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of the .accenture gTLD as a trusted site for Accenture 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 the .accenture domain space. As a result, .accenture will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .accenture gTLD will be distributed not only to its direct customers, but to the internet community at large forcing improved services and competitive pricing in the market place.
INNOVATION:
With the expansion of the internet community to all corners of the world, the existing TLD structure presents limitations, not only in the availability of domain names for registrants, but also to businesses and 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 Accenture 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. Accenture has the ability to create second or third level domain names which are relevant to its customer base, services and products. Accenture 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. Further, Accenture relies on its industry knowledge, service-offering expertise and technology capabilities to offer its consulting, outsourcing and technology services. The .accenture gTLD represents Accenture’s reputation in identifying new business and technology trends to develop solutions for its clients around the world.
18(B)III. WHAT GOALS DOES YOUR PROPOSED gTLD HAVE IN TERMS OF USER EXPERIENCE?
The proposed .accenture gTLD will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Accenture 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 Accenture. Therefore, the .accenture gTLD will:
- promote user clarity on the portfolio of services that Accenture offers;
- provide an easy and intuitive reference and access point for internet users;
- represent authenticity thus promoting user confidence;
- direct internet users to relevant information in a timely manner by creating domain names on demand;
- allow the use of IDNs at a later stage to enable Accenture’s users to interact directly in their native language;
- allow the use of geographic names at a later stage 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 allowing Accenture to maintain exclusive control over the .accenture domain space and eliminating user confusion; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
The .accenture 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 .accenture gTLD will reduce potential abuses in the registration processes and overall costs to internet users. User confidence in the domain name system will be strengthened, which will ultimately contribute towards promoting ICANN’s core values in benefiting the public interest.
18(B)IV. PROVIDE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICANTʹS INTENDED REGISTRATION POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS LISTED ABOVE.
The proposed registration policy is attached in response to Question 28.
Only Accenture will be eligible to register domain names in .accenture at this stage. The domain name registration processes will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures.
18(B)V. WILL YOUR PROPOSED gTLD IMPOSE ANY MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANTS OR USERS? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY SUCH MEASURES.
The primary purpose of Accenture’s website is to be a dynamic resource and business tool to help its users create their future. Accenture 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 national legislation enacted under EU Directive 95⁄46⁄EC, national and sub-national laws in Canada, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Mexico, the United States and other regulated jurisdictions where Accenture does business. Accenture’s collection, use and disclosure of personal data is governed by its Global Policy 0090—Data Privacy. Policy 0090 is designed to comply with the strictest privacy laws around the world, and is supplemented as necessary with individual country supplements to take account of local anomalies from general principles of privacy law. Accenture’s privacy program was the first in the world to be granted EU-wide (20 countries) approval for its Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), enabling the free transfer of EU personal data within the Accenture global network.
Privacy is of fundamental concern to Accenture’s customers, as such Accenture has a strong interest in ensuring a high level of privacy protection for its customers. Accenture’s own privacy policy demonstrates its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. Accenture takes appropriate measures to maintain the privacy of any data collected by Accenture on its websites. Such measures include:
- Collection of information: Accenture does not generally seek to collect sensitive personal data through its site. However, if Accenture collects such data, consent to its proposed uses of the data will be sought first.
- Use of information: Any information gathered by Accenture is analysed only to improve its site and to help Accenture identify ways to improve it and to determine how Accenture’s website can be tailored to make it more effective. Such information may also be used to provide user-requested content, to allow participation in interactive forums or features, and in some cases to provide Accenture marketing materials. Accenture complies with all local laws regarding marketing and provides for user opt-in or opt-out choices as appropriate.
- Sharing of information: As a global organisation, data collected by Accenture may be transferred throughout Accenture’s worldwide organisation or its advisors. However, Accenture ensures that notification is provided prior to the collection of any personal information. Further, Accenture will not sell individual information.
- Accuracy of information: Accenture allows users to have access to their information and to correct any inaccuracies.
As the .accenture gTLD will only be available to Accenture initially, the amount of personal data that will be collected for the purposes of operating the gTLD and made publicly available in the WHOIS database will be very limited. Accenture 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, Accenture 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.
Accenture will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Accenture and its users interacting with Accenture 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 .accenture gTLD. Accenture already implements a suitable set of information security controls, including policies, practices, procedures and organizational structures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access. Furthermore, Accenture has a security assessment program, which undertakes periodic independent assessments to ensure continual effectiveness of its security controls.
Accenture 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 .accenture 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 communicated to promote recognition of the new gTLD as a trusted site and a sign of authenticity.
During the initial stage of the operation of the proposed new gTLD, it is anticipated that internet users may be re-directed to current websites. However, over time, it is foreseen that communication to the internet community of the existence of the proposed new gTLD and encouragement to utilise the trusted site will contribute towards minimising 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 Accenture at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under the .accenture domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .accenture gTLD. Any affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Accenture 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 at this stage. It is estimated that time and money spent by consumers who have been targeted by malicious abuse in utilising services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .accenture gTLD.
18(C)I. HOW WILL MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR DOMAIN NAME BE RESOLVED, FOR EXAMPLE, BY AUCTION OR ON A FIRST-COME⁄FIRST-SERVE BASIS?
The initial use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to internal business use and Accenture is intended to be the only registrant under the .accenture 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.