Closed gTLD debate threatens big brands
14th February, 2013A recent public comment period was opened up in order to garner some feedback with regard to some gTLDs having been proposed with “single-registrant” business models. More precisely, the registry for the gTLD would have control over all of the second level domains, and normal registrars like Tucows or GoDaddy wouldn’t be able to sell them.
Some of the most notable examples include L’Oreal’s application for .beauty, Google’s .blog, and Amazon’s .music – just to name a few.
Although it’s being classified as the “dot-brand” model, many are pointing to the fact that some of the gTLDs are generic dictionary terms, and the applicants don’t have any pre-existing trademark rights.
Organizations like the Governmental Advisory Committee have spoken out against this type of model, citing the fact that it could be seen as “anti-competitive.”
To read more, visit http://domainincite.com/11785-closed-gtld-debate-threatens-google-and-amazon