My recollection is that the URS does allow for names protected by international accord but the UDRP does not. Not sure about TMCH. Cost avoidance for exact names is likely not at that level but at defensive registrations or reservation within TLD. Perhaps all moot, because after all this fuss, any TLD that does not voluntarily include these names in their reserved lists (except for registration by the parties involved) is just looking for additional hassles that they don't need. Regarding the Olympic symbols/names, my recollection (which may well be wrong) is that the symbols are protected by international agreement but the names are protected by some national laws (and particularly those in countries that have held the Olympics). Alan At 22/10/2012 02:44 PM, Evan Leibovitch wrote:
Quick answer:
Because they don't want the hassle and cost incurred by other name-holders (clearinghouse, URS/UDRP) and have convinced the GAC that their legal titles are more important than those of the private sector.
This is all the more curious because my understanding is that international treaty/law protects the IOC graphic symbol (five rings in that colour/pattern) but not the word "olympic". So... in other words (if this is accurate), they are asking ICANN to extend beyond existing protections in the outside world.
At very least, this is not as clear-cut as the GAC would suggest.
- Evan