RE: [ga] new TLDs

[Dave Crocker <dhc2@dcrocker.net>]

At 05:29 PM 9/1/00 +0200, Roberto Gaetano wrote:
>IMHO, the only reason for adding TLDs is to add diversity of models.
>...
>If the models are diversified, it will make no sense (and in some cases
>...
>If, OTOH, the ICANN Board selects just some clones of .com (like .firm, 
>biz, or whatever), I agree that we are in trouble.But why should they?

The original reasons for pursuing additional gTLDs were to increase the 
amount of name space and to increase competition among those supplying 
registration services.  The focus on formally "different models" -- and 
especially the idea of enforced restriction on registrations under 
"chartered" TLDs -- are of rather recent vintage.

The idea behind having different kinds of gTLD strings was the hope that 
they would have different appeal, not that there would be any difference in 
the legal basis for resolving a trademark conflict.  Indeed it is difficult 
to imagine the courts producing differential outcomes unless the assignment 
process has differential enforcement rules.

The mere fact that the TLD string is different and, perhaps, has a 
different description associated with it sounds like a pretty weak legal 
argument, on its own.  The counterpoints are that a) the mere fact that the 
strings IS different and therefore that two different domain names really 
are different, and b) well-established base of industry practise supporting 
the difference, such as between .com and .org.

d/

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