Dear RPM IRT,
We are writing to provide an update on the work related to the implementation of Group 4 recommendations. This group includes one recommendation, the Overarching Data Collection Final Recommendation:
“In relation to the TMCH, the Working Group recommends that, for future new gTLD rounds, ICANN Org collect the following data on at least an annual basis (to the extent it does not do so already) and make the data available to future RPM review teams:
* Number of marks submitted for validation in each category of marks accepted by the TMCH;
* Number of successfully validated marks in each category of marks accepted by the TMCH;
* Number of labels generated for all successfully validated marks;
* Number of abused labels;
* Number of marks deactivated in and removed from the TMCH;
* Breakdown of the scripts/languages represented in a validated and active trademark in the TMCH; and
* Number of cases decided under the TMCH dispute resolution procedure.
In relation to the Trademark Claims service, the Working Group recommends that, for future new gTLD rounds, ICANN-accredited registrars must provide ICANN Org with periodic reports of the number of Claims Notices that were sent out to prospective registrants not less than every 12 months.
In relation to the URS, the Working Group recommends that ICANN Org explore developing a mechanism, in consultation with the URS Providers, to enable publication and search of all URS Determinations in a uniform format.
The Working Group further recommends that, in implementing Board-adopted recommendations from the 2018 Final Report of the Competition, Consumer Choice & Consumer Trust Review Team, ICANN org also collect data concerning trademark owners’ and registrants’ experience with the RPMs that can be provided to future GNSO RPM policy review teams (including result of studies that ICANN org may conduct pursuant to Recommendations #26, if approved by the ICANN Board, and #28).”
Below is a summary of the implementation work underway.
TMCH Data
In relation to the TMCH, ICANN org notes that it already collects all of the data points recommended by the Working Group and publishes on a monthly basis on the New gTLD Microsite<https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/trademark-clearinghouse/registries-regi…> six out of the seven TMCH data points (i.e., the number of abused labels is not publicly available). Accordingly, ICANN org will coordinate with the TMCH Validation Provider (Deloitte) to include the number of abused labels in the TMCH Monthly Reports published on ICANN.org, and will provide an update once this data point has been incorporated.
Trademark Claims Notice Data
ICANN org will work with ICANN-accredited registrars to develop periodic reports, at least annually, on the number of Trademark Claims Notices sent to prospective registrants. ICANN org will aim to establish a practical and consistent reporting process that minimizes burden on registrars while ensuring that relevant data is collected to support future RPM review teams. ICANN org will reach out to the RPM IRT, as needed, to help define reporting parameters and gather input on key data elements.
Development of Uniform Publication Mechanism for URS Determinations
ICANN org has contacted URS Providers to ask for their assistance with implementing this aspect of the recommendation. ICANN org is currently working to schedule a meeting with the URS Providers to discuss the most effective way forward. Possible approaches may involve URS Providers working together to create a format that meets their needs or ICANN org proposing a mechanism that would enable publication and search of all URS Determinations in a uniform format. ICANN org will share a further update with the RPM IRT once additional progress has been made.
Data concerning Trademark owners’ and Registrants’ Experience with the RPMs
ICANN org is currently working to implement this portion of the recommendation through the 2025 Domain Name Consumer Surveys. On 22 August 2024, ICANN org issued a request for proposal (RFP<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-request-for-proposal-d…>) to identify provider(s) to survey domain name registrants, Internet end-users, and trademark holders. The surveys are anticipated to be administered in Q3 2025 and will focus on perspectives about the introduction of new gTLDs into the domain name system (DNS) resulting from the New gTLD Program. The results will be published once the survey is completed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding the work in progress mentioned above.
Thank you!
Best,
Antonietta
