.bond New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: Bond University Limited
Application Downloaded On: 20 Feb 2014
String: bond
Application ID: 1-2092-96476
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
Bond University Limited
- Address of the principal place of business
University Drive Robina, Queensland - 4226 AU
- Phone number
+61 7 5595 1111
- Fax number
+61 7 5595 3340
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.bond.edu.au
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Andrew James
6(b). Title
Digital Marketing Manager
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+61 7 5595 1012
6(e). Fax Number
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Amanda Boaden
7(b). Title
General Manager, Marketing and Communications
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+61 7 5595 1613
7(e). Fax Number
+61 7 5595 3340
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
Charitable Institution
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
Australia
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
Dr Helen Marion Nugent Chancellor
Ken MacDonald Deputy Chancellor
Lynda Kathryn Elfriede O'Grady Councillor
Mary Bent Councillor
Peta Fielding Councillor
Professor Kwong Lee Dow Councillor
Professor Margaret Seares Councillor
Professor Timothy John Brailsford Vice Chancellor
Steven Andrew Sargent Councillor
Tom Daniel Ray Councillor
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.
bond
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 .bond 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
- .bond 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 .bond has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .bond will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Bond University Limited does not believe that the .bond 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 .BOND gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS AND CURRENT AND FUTURE STUDENTS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST, CONVENIENCE AND UTILITY.
The .bond gTLD will create a new generation gTLD serving the interests of end users by providing an authoritative Internet space where information, services and resources regarding Bond University’s degrees, courses and events will be closely controlled by Bond University Limited (Bond University). The majority of the anticipated domain name registrations in the .bond gTLD will be used to provide easier access to information for students and staff. A subset of domain names has the potential to be created and used for communicating and marketing the Bond University brand internationally, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
Bond University, established in 1989, is one of Australia’s leading universities providing world-class educational experiences under the tutelage of some of the country’s foremost academics. Bond University offers undergraduate degrees and postgraduate courses in key fields of study including law, business, social sciences, architecture and sustainable development, health sciences and medicine. Bond is Australia’s first private, not-for-profit university with a vision of producing uniquely identifiable graduates, who are leaders and thinkers, imbued with initiative, the spirit of free enterprise and a continuing quest for intellectual inquiry, challenge and opportunity. Bond University has a distinctly global perspective, offering globally-focused course content and exchange opportunities in over 20 countries and with its growing international student community coming from 80 countries.
Bond University is Australia’s highest rating university according to the Hobsons Australia 2012 Good Universities Guide, receiving the highest number of five star ratings across ten key performance indicators including student to staff ratio, teaching quality and overall graduate satisfaction. In this regard, the Bond University brand reputation, student trust and continuous innovation are paramount considerations in all its activities. The new .bond gTLD will provide students with simplified navigation, easier access to key information and innovative delivery of content, as well as promoting Bond University to prospective students in international markets.
Since the inception of the current domain name system, business activities conducted on the internet are constantly changing and evolving with increased complexity. The volume of commercial transactions over the internet is constantly growing and bringing benefits of simplicity and lowered transaction costs to businesses and consumers. However, at the same time, criminal activities over the internet including data breach, hacking and phishing activities have also become more sophisticated resulting in loss of consumer confidence beyond mere monetary harm. The .bond gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with Bond University online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
Bond University’s mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. Bond University is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .bond gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Bond University and its affiliate entities, at this stage, which will provide added consumer trust that .bond domain names are trustworthy. As .bond domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Bond University’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .bond 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 .bond 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 Bond University’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 Bond University. As Bond University has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .bond domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .bond gTLD, the projected number of registrations are likely to be limited. It is anticipated that about 40 domain names will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase to around 100 domain names as Bond University develops and implements new degrees and courses, services and marketing campaigns.
As the new .bond gTLD expands and evolves, Bond University will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and the stability of the internet. Bond University will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to .bond gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.
Bond University intends to create relevant domain names for use including degrees, courses, products, services or geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, Bond University will use geographic names to localise its websites in its key geographical markets. The use of geographic names is intended to:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and
- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory.
Bond University does not intend to utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level initially. However, as the use of the .bond gTLD evolves, Bond University may wish to utilise IDNs to allow its current and future students to engage with .bond in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
Bond University is a well-recognised brand in Australia and the Asia-Pacific with its “Bond University” combined word and logo trademarks registered in Australia for the following categories: Education and Entertainment services (Class 41); Professional (non-business) consultancy services (Class 42); and Promotional and Advertising services (Class 35). Further, Bond University has a portfolio of existing domain names with an exact match to the applied-for .bond string in the bond.edu.au space.
Bond University believes that the .bond gTLD is unlikely to cause confusion with either a generic term or any existing TLDs. Bond University trademarks are a leading brand with significant reputation in the Asia-Pacific and particularly Australia. Bond University has used the term Bond in conjunction with its private, not-for-profit university for almost 23 years. As such, the Bond University brand is well known for providing exclusive educational experiences of the highest international standard.
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 .bond gTLD are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. Bond University also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which Bond University is able to communicate with its students directly and effectively. The new .bond gTLD will allow Bond University to offer better services to its students and staff by providing easier access to key information and innovative delivery of content. This will further strengthen Bond University’s reputation and market Bond to prospective students both domestically and internationally. The ability to create domain names on demand relating to degrees and courses, research, events and specific marketing 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 .bond gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .bond gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with Bond University by providing a distinctive domain space. Internet users will be able to directly navigate to the .bond gTLD site, saving time and resources. 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. Bond University can address some of these vulnerabilities by maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .bond domain space. The new .bond gTLD will create a secure, trusted global portal for Bond University’s current and future students to access information, resources and content. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under .bond domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and Bond University.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of .bond gTLD as a trusted site for Bond University will drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs. Internet users and prospective students will be encouraged to interact with domain names under .bond domain space. As a result, .bond will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .bond will be distributed not only to its direct customers, namely students, 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. 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. Under the current domain name structure, Bond University finds it particularly difficult to provide short URLs and is highly reliant on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), which often produces unreliable results given the generic nature of the University’s products and services. The .bond gTLD will allow Bond University to simplify its complicated domain structure and create short, memorable and user-friendly second level domain names, such as openday.bond and courses.bond. Bond University has the ability to create second or third level domain names on demand, including the use of degrees and courses, events, research, geographic names and potentially IDNs, which are relevant to its current and prospective students and staff. Bond University 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 .bond will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. Bond University 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 Bond University. Therefore, the .bond gTLD will:
- provide an easy and intuitive reference and access point for internet users and prospective students;
- provide students with simplified navigation, innovative content delivery and easier access to key information and resources;
- create shorter, more memorable and user-friendly second level domain names including relating to Bond University’s degrees, courses and events;
- strengthen brand reputation and user confidence by ensuring authenticity and eliminating user confusion;
- direct internet users to relevant information in a timely manner by creating domain names on demand;
- use geographic names to localise its websites to connect with internet users in the relevant regions and to comply with local laws;
- potentially use IDNs to enable customer to interact directly in their native language;
- enhance security and minimise security risks by implementing necessary technical and policy measures; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
The .bond 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 .bond 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 affiliate entities of Bond University will be eligible to register domain names in .bond 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.
Bond University 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 the Privacy Act 1998 (Australia) and National Privacy Principles (Australia).
Bond University has also implemented its own privacy policy that complies with all relevant laws and regulations, to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. Bond University understands the importance of protecting the privacy of users’ and students’ personal information. As such, Bond University’s Privacy Policy provides that Bond University will only use personal information of its students for the purpose of:
- assessing current or prospective students’ applications;
- providing services to students or information about Bond University’s services that may be of interest;
- facilitating Bond University’s internal business operations, including the fulfilment of any legal requirements;
- analysing Bond University’s services and customer needs with a view to developing new and⁄or improved services;
- contacting students in the case of an emergency involving someone else they know;
- contacting the nominated next of kin of a student if that student is involved in an emergency;
- contacting students in relation to employment opportunities for Bond University undergraduates;
- contacting students to provide a testimonial for Bond University or in relation to Alumni activities;
- disclosing information to contracted service providers which assist Bond University in operating its business;
- disclosing information to a students’ agent or next of kin for the purpose of processing their application; and
- disclosing information to Australian university committees and relevant Commonwealth Government departments;
As the .bond gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of Bond University, 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. Bond University 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, Bond University 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.
Bond University will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both Bond University and its users interacting with Bond University 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 .bond gTLD. Bond University already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access. Such measures include the use of Secure Sockets Layer for data encryption, password protection and a closed network on-campus.
Bond University 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 .bond domain space.
18(B)VI. DESCRIBE WHETHER AND IN WHAT WAYS OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECTED BENEFITS.
The proposed new .bond gTLD will be publicised by a media plan to promote recognition of the new gTLD within the internet and global student community to be a trusted site and as a sign of authenticity. The new .bond gTLD will create a global platform for Bond University to market itself online as a world-class, leading innovative university. As such, Bond University intends to create marketing campaigns to advertise the new .bond domain space to prospective students, particularly in newly accessible international markets.
During the initial stage of the operation of the proposed new gTLD, it is anticipated that internet users will be re-directed to current websites. However, over time, it is foreseen that communication to the internet community of the existence of the proposed new gTLD and encouragement to 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 .bond domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .bond gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. Bond University 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 .bond 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 Bond University and affiliate entities are intended to be the registrants under the .bond 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.