On June 13, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) revealed the list of applications for new gTLDs to be launched as part of its proposed expansion of the top-level domain space. A total of 1,930 applications were filed for strings, including brand names, generic words and abbreviations, geographic terms, and non-ASCII strings (such as Chinese or Arabic). No matter how many applications are eventually approved and how many gTLDs launched, this will be a dramatic change to the domain name system.
All brand owners need to get up to speed on the timing and ramifications of the new gTLDs, so that they can strategize and prepare for how to protect their trademarks in this new environment, as well as decide whether they want to challenge any of the pending applications. Reed Smith has assembled a global team of thought leaders to guide you through the various pitfalls.
In this teleseminar, we will cover:
- How to develop a strategy to protect your marks and brands
- The timeline for review of applications and launch of new gTLDs
- What brand owners should be thinking about now
- Commenting on and objecting to applications
- The Trademark Clearinghouse and other supposed protections in the new systems
- Updates on industry, governmental and regulatory efforts to provide more protection for brands and trademark owners