Second Draft of New gTLD Applicant Guidebook Released by ICANN
March 25, 2009
ICANN’s second draft of the new generic Top-Level Domains Applicant Guidebook (gTLD) has been released. The public comment period for this new draft is open and ICANN will accept comments through April 13, 2009.
ICANN has clarified several issues, including proposed reduction in ongoing “Registry-Level Fees” from US$75,000 per year to US$25,000 per year.
The application fees are divided into the following:
- TAS User Registration Fee: US$100 – This fee enables the user to enter the online application system.
- gTLD Evaluation Fee: US$185,000 – This fee is set to recover costs associated with the new gTLD program and ensure that the program is fully funded, and doesn’t take resources from other ICANN funding sources.
An interesting note on the gTLD Evaluation Fee is that Participants in ICANN’s proof-of-concept application process in 2000 may be eligible for a credit toward the evaluation fee. The credit is in the amount of US$86,000 and is subject to meeting additional criteria.
If an extended review of an application is required, an additional Registry Services Review Fee of US$50,000 may be required.
Unfortunately it appears that concerns and objections raised in the first comment period, such as protection for Trademark holders and economic viability analysis, are still not addressed.
Follow all the news on ICANN’s New gTLD Program here.
Comments
Got something to say?