A Happy New Year to everyone! Just a reminder that we will hold our next conference call week beginning 18th January, you'll shortly be receiving a request to complete a doodle that will determine the final date and time. Currently there are a number of consultations/requests for public comment that we need to review and determine whether we'll respond formally as a constituency or leave it to individual members. In particular can I draw your attention to the following; 1. Public Comment: STI Report on Trademark Protection in New gTLDs, see http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-17dec09-en.htm response require by 26th Jan. 2. New gTLD Program - ICANN Proposes Draft Expression of Interest / Pre-Registrations Model See http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-2-18dec09-en.htm response required by 27 Jan. 3. Discussion Draft: Affirmation Reviews See http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-26dec09-en.htm response required by end of Jan. Please respond to the list with your comments on how to proceed. These are fairly detailed and lengthy documents which will require substantial effort across the next few weeks if we're to submit constituency comments. I would be looking for volunteers to assist in producing the initial drafts. Regards Tony