The Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) posted two reports relating to the introduction of new gTLDs, both by Dr. Dennis Carlton. Both reports are briefly summarized below. A public comment forum has been opened on these preliminary reports prepared by Professor Carlton for 45 days, until 20 July 2009.
The paper concludes that ICANN's proposed framework for introducing new gTLDs is likely to facilitate entry and benefit consumers by expanding output, lowering price and increasing innovation. Even if new gTLDs do not compete with .com and the other major TLDs for existing registrants, it is likely that consumers would nonetheless realize significant benefits due to increased competition for new registrants and increased product choice. Thus, evaluation of ICANN's proposal does not depend on addressing the extent of competition between existing TLDs, a question posed by the ICANN Board in 2006.
While a variety of commenters have expressed concerns that the introduction of gTLDs will require trademark holders to undertake defensive registrations, alternative mechanisms for addressing such concerns are available. Several proposals are currently being reviewed by ICANN which may address these concerns while precluding the consumer harm that is likely to result from the draconian remedy of restricting entry of new gTLDs. The ability of ICANN to protect trademark holders through dispute resolution mechanisms also implies that price caps on new gTLDs are not necessary to protect trademark holders.
http://www.internetadsales.com/icann-final-reports-on-new-gtlds-competition-and-pricing-now-available
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