Amazon.com intends to only offer domain registrations to itself.
Amazon.com has applied for 76 top level domain names. But don’t expect to be able to register any second level domains underneath them.
I just reviewed eight of the company’s applications, and each one has similar language explaining who can register a second level domain under them: only Amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
…Amazon and its subsidiaries will be the only eligible registrants…
Now I can certainly see how this would be the case for something like .fire, since Fire is one of Amazon’s brands.
And I can sort of see how this makes sense with something like .cloud, or even .app, since they are big market opportunities for the company.
But .wow? .play? .free? .kids?
The good news for trademark holders is that, if Amazon gets these top level domains, they won’t have to worry about paying to block their marks. Because only Amazon.com can register them anyway.
29.1.1 Rights protection in gTLD registry operation is a core objective of Amazon
We will closely manage this TLD by registering domains through a single registrar. Although Amazon and its subsidiaries will be the only eligible registrants, we will nonetheless require our registrar to work with us on a four-step registration process featuring: (i) Eligibility Confirmation; (ii) Naming Convention Check; (iii) Acceptable Use Review; and (iv) Registration. As stated in our answer to Question 18, all domains in our registry will remain the property of Amazon and will be provisioned to support the business goals of Amazon. Because all domains will be registered and maintained by Amazon (for use that complements our strategic business goals), we can ensure that all domains in our registries will carry accurate and up-to-date registration records. We believe that the above registration process will ensure that abusive registrations are prevented, but we will continue to monitor ICANN policy developments, and update our procedures as required.29.2 Core measures to prevent abusive registrations
To further prevent abusive registration or cybersquatting, we will adopt the following Rights Protection Mechanisms (RPMs) which have been mandated for new gTLD operators by ICANN:
• A 30 day Sunrise process
• A 60 day Trademark Claims processGenerally, these RPMs are targeted at abusive registrations undertaken by third parties. However, domains in our registry will be registered only to Amazon or its subsidiaries through a single registrar who will be contractually required to ensure that stated rules covering eligibility and use of a domain are adhered to through a validation process. As a result, abusive registrations should be prevented.
In the very unlikely circumstances that a domain is registered and used in an improper way, we acknowledge that we will be the respondent in related proceedings and we undertake to co-operate fully with ICANN and other appropriate agencies to resolve any concerns.
29.2.1 Sunrise Eligibility
Our Sunrise Eligibility Requirements will clearly state that eligible applicants must be members of the Amazon group of companies and its subsidiaries. Furthermore, all domain names must be used to support the business goals of Amazon. Nonetheless, notice of our Sunrise will be provided to third party holders of validated trademarks in the Trademark Clearinghouse as required by ICANN. Our Sunrise Eligibility Requirements will be published on the website of our registry.
Want to file a UDRP against a second level domain controlled by Amazon? The company wants an exemption from standard rules. The only remedy it says will be cancellation, not transfer of the domain to the complainant, since only Amazon.com can register the domains.
Perhaps Amazon is going this route to make the applications easier. It does use the term “initially” in its application when discussing only a minimal number of domains being registered.
But I’m a bit shocked by the company’s plans. It effectively removes a large swathe of the new namespace from public consumption.
I wonder if the GAC will think these applications are in the ‘global public interest’.
GAC indicated it will be looking at more than just morality and public order, will consider plans on use as well when considering offering their ‘advice’.
@ Tom Gilles –
I’m not sure how this would play out in the rules. But I think for the sake of the new TLD program and its success, people will want registries that actually offer second level domains to the public.
My guess is that the best use and the best interest of the public will in large part be determined solely by the highest bidder!
Having brands register and limit their brands to themselves as TLD is one thing, but once they enter into the public realm, such land claims can be equated to massive land squatting, and should be objected to in the public interest.
So
.AMAZON:yes
.FIRE: manybe
.KIDS: no way!
This kind of behavior also makes the auction system a very bad idea. If a party with deep pockets, such as Amazon, stakes a claim like that, it will be hard for contending applications (if any) to match them.
Big companies bidding on and winning generic extensions and keeping them for private use.
That is totally in the public interest.
Brad
LOL, Boo Hoo- you can’t have your cake and eat it too. So the gTLD cheerleaders/promoters vigorously defended digital archery and the auction system for the past few months, completely ignoring the confusion and instability that is would be inevitable when introducing thousands of extensions. Now all of a sudden you’re concerned that the natural consequence of this same process is ‘not in the public interest.’ You have no credibility anymore.
Good for Amazon.
I hope they get them and don’t do anything with them.
Screw the gTLD promoters.
** to clarify, my previous comment was directed toward the cheerleaders- not Andrew
What’s to prevent them from filing an “ammendment to the use clause” after they are awarded the gTLD extension? Amazon has proven in the past that it has a nose to sniff out niche markets and go the flow of the internet. They are hugely succesful because of their strategic business plan that has gotten them to this point. I can’t imagine that Amazon would spend that much money to exclusively use the names internally. Perhaps they are planning a buying spree to acquire niche companies to fill each of the names they win and brand them as a subsidary? Only Time will tell.
I knew this was a possibility, that’s why I was quick to look at the business plans.
Part of the process. Now there’s public comments, GAC advice and possible objections from affected companies.
We knew it was going to get a little crazy, didn’t we?
Fun though.
Whoever pays the most money wins, all the big names will go into auction, and public companies with shareholder money to play with, will come out on top.
They are going to tie the extension to services offered by Amazon. Smart move.
Canon thought the same others will do this.
It’s not about buying & selling domains for many companies but expanding their services.