http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-31may09-en.htm Applicant Guidebook: Public Comments Analysis and Revised Excerpts 31 May 2009 Important Links Analysis of Public Comment to Applicant Guidebook version 2 [PDF, 1,555K] http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may... Amended Guidebook Sections and Explanatory Memoranda http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm#matrix The second version of the Applicant Guidebook for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) generated continued public interest, as expressed by over 200 comments received. A comprehensive report [PDF, 1,555K] http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may... is being released today; comments are organised by topic and each are followed by analysis describing how the issues raised in the commentary can be reflected in the Guidebook. (A similar report [PDF, 588K] for the first version of the guidebook was posted in February 2009). http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv1-analysis-public-comments-18feb... This analysis, the additional excerpts and explanatory memos allow people to see how their comments will affect the next version of the guidebook The Highlights in this Round Many changes have been made as a result of the comments so far received. Discussions relating to the overarching issues will continue, and other subject areas have been revised and are being posted today as guidebook excerpts for public comments. http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm One of the more significant is the recommendation that the proposed registry agreement for new gTLDs be modified to reflect a requirement that all registries offer "Thick" Whois service. Providing Whois service is a central obligation of gTLD registries and registrars under contract with ICANN. Many comments to the proposed registry agreement seek to mandate thick Whois for all new registries suggesting substantial benefits will result, including enhanced accessibility and enhanced stability. Other revisions include proposed clarifications to: handling of geographical names, evaluation questions, comparative evaluation scoring, dispute resolution procedures and other registry agreement provisions. More Discussion and More Comment These revisions along with all the others in this round will also be discussed at the ICANN meeting in Sydney starting June 21, 2009. The excerpts and analysis are supported by four explanatory memoranda. The public comment period for the guidebook excerpts released today will be open until 20 July 2009. There are four overarching issues:, Trademark Protection The Economic Analysis of new gTLDs Financial Analysis Objection Process The comments received to the material released today, together with the outcomes of the discussions relating to the overarching issues will constitute the basis for the third version of the guidebook that will be published at the end of the third quarter 2009. Other New gTLD Program Updates ICANN continues to balance the need to progress with the new gTLD program with community concerns on specific aspects. With that in mind, the program is expected to launch (i.e., applications will be accepted) in the first quarter of 2010, but we will not open the process until concerns about the overarching issues have been addressed. Between June and August 2009, ICANN will hold several public discussions designed to arrive at solutions to the overarching issues (focusing on Trademark Protection and Potential for Abusive Conduct) that were identified in the first version of the guidebook. These consultations will start in Sydney during the ICANN Meeting, followed by events in London on New York on 13 July, and London on 15 July. Outreach sessions in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi to discuss the topics are also being arranged. Additional locations are still under consideration. More information about these events as well as pre-registrations will be announced shortly. Please continue checking the New gTLD program webpage for updates. Related links Public comment summary and analysis (pdf): http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv2-analysis-public-comments-31may... Revised excerpts: http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/comments-e-en.htm#matrix Public comment period for excerpts: http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/#dag-revised-excerpts New gTLD program webpage http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtld-program.htm Public comment summary and analysis for guidebook's first version (pdf): http://www.icann.org/en/topics/new-gtlds/agv1-analysis-public-comments-18feb... Glen de Saint Géry GNSO Secretariat gnso.secretariat@gnso.icann.org http://gnso.icann.org