INTA - Ready for the New gTLDs?

Click here to download a recording of this webinar [MP3, 65 MB]

The Internet naming system will soon undergo profound change. In a few short months, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) intends to liberalize the Internet's current naming hierarchy by enabling a large number of generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) to be added to the existing Domain Name System under a controversial new initiative called the "New gTLD Program." The new gTLDs will be in addition to those with which we are all familiar, such as .com, .info, .org, .gov, as well as country code TLDs, such as .us, .uk and .be.

The availability of the new gTLDs is expected to have major competitive and legal implications for brand owners worldwide. Some see the new gTLD's as an opportunity to promote their brands while other brand owners view them as the most significant threat to their trademark rights since the advent of cybersquatting. Others simply don't know what to think. But in the very near future everyone must decide the best course of action for their business.

The seminar will examine:

• The latest news on the timeline and process for submitting an application for a new gTLD
• Guidance for brand owners who are considering adding gTLDs to their brand protection strategy
• What if another company wants MY gTLD?
  • Defensive considerations
  • Role of the Trademark Clearinghouse
  • Litigation and offensive administrative remedies