We make following comments on the New gTLD Subsequent PDP Initial Report:

 

We agree that there shall be future opportunities to apply for New gTLDs. To be fair, future applications shall be organized under the similar framework as the 2012 round.

 

Applications representing communities should be given special consideration, but a clearer standard/definition is needed on what kind of community is worth of such special consideration. The definition of community in the Applicant Guidebook was deficient and shall be optimized.

 

There is no evidence showing that brand TLDs have negative effects on the DNS. Brand TLDs shall still be a part in the future round. Although it is better to establish an independent category for brand TLDs.

 

When receiving objections, applicants shall get enough time to make a response. In case that the email notice could not reach the applicant, ICANN shall confirm with the primary contact by other means (telephone, fax, etc.) before the deadline. ICANN shall also publish all supplemental rules as well as all criteria for the filing of, response to, and evaluation of each objection. Furthermore, it is essential to create appeal mechanisms for the applicants to challenge outcomes related to evaluation and objection.