June 21, 2011

  • GMO Registry,Inc.

June 21, 2011
Press Release
                                                                                                                                  GMO Registry, Inc.
GMO Registry
Welcomes ICANN Approval of New gTLD Program
First application window to open in January 2012
 

Tokyo – June 21, 2011 -- GMO Internet Group company, GMO Registry welcomed the ICANN Board’s decision made in Singapore yesterday to approve introduction of new generic Top Level Domains. Since it was established in July 2009, GMO Registry has been helping organizations get ready to apply for and operate new geographic and brand TLDs. Yesterday’s decision allows GMO Registry together with both new and existing partners to move forward with preparing new gTLD applications for submission beginning January 12, 2012.    
 
About GMO Registry
GMO Registry was established in 2009 to provide all-in registry solutions for new gTLDs including assistance with the application process, building and operating backend systems, and marketing support. Already, global companies Canon and Hitachi have chosen to partner with GMO Registry to secure their respective brands as TLDs and last week we announced DotRyukyu  – a new registry now in the process of being established - would partner with us to apply for and operate the two Japanese geoTLDs .okinawa and .ryukyu.  
In addition to providing registry support services GMO Registry will also submit its own application for the extension .shop. With DotShop GMO Registry aims to build a dedicated namespace for ecommerce businesses worldwide. Please visit the following URL for more information on GMO Registry services: http://www.gmo-registry.com/en/service/ 

Reference: About the New gTLD Application Process
Any public or private-sector organization is eligible to submit a new gTLD application ICANN.
 
Application Submissions
January 12 – April 12, 2012
 
Eligible Strings
 
Character strings must be 3 or more characters long (or 2 in the case of IDNs)
 
Any string that is an exact match of a sub-national place name (county, province, state etc.) as listed in the ISO 3166-2 standard will require a statement of support or non-objection from the relevant municipality.
 
Evaluation Scope
- Financial, operational and technical capability
- Compliance, registrar support
- Evaluation also looks at whether the gTLD string is so similar to other strings that it would likely cause confusion
*String contention: If multiple applications are received for the same string applicants will first be encouraged to resolve the matter between themselves. If this is not possible community-based applicants may elect a community priority evaluation or an auction will be conducted.   
*If a formal objection is filed against a new gTLD application, dispute resolution procedures will be initiated.
Fees
ICANN application fee USD185,000
 
Yearly registry fee (payable to ICANN) USD25,000
 
Launch
New gTLDs implemented under the program are expected to begin going live in early 2013.
 
Timeline



Domain Terminology
ICANN
ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) Non-profit organization responsible for the global management of Internet domain names and IP addresses. It also holds the authority to designate official domain registration companies.
gTLD
(Generic Top Level Domain) In June 2008 the Board of ICANN, the organization that coordinates the Internet’s addressing system, approved a recommendation overhauling the rules for introducing TLDs. Until now users have been restricted to 22 gTLDs (.com, .net etc.), and with the exception of country and regional TLDs, applications for specific new gTLDS were solicited by ICANN and subjected to their application and screening process. The new gTLD rules would significantly relax the existing process, paving the way for organizations to put forward their own applications for top level domains. Applications will open in January 2012.
 
Service Inquiries
GMO Registry
Media Inquiries
GMO Internet
Email: [email protected] 

GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services worldwide. The group is the top provider of domain registration, web hosting, ecommerce, and payment processing solutions in Japan and operates a host of other Internet services including global online security services, search engine marketing and online securities trading. At the center of the group is GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE: 9449) headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. 

GMO Registry, Inc.
Company Name
Location
Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
CEO
Masatosho Kumagai
Business Description
- Domain registry services
Capital
JPY 100 million
 
GMO Internet, Inc.
Company Name
GMO Internet, Inc. (TSE First Section Code: 9449) http://www.gmo.jp/en
Location
Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
CEO
Masatoshi Kumagai
Business Description
- Web Infrastructure & Ecommerce – Internet Media
- Internet Securities – Social Media & Smartphone Platform
Capital
JPY 2 billion
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