18(c) What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs?

Prototypical answer:

The .bar gTLD has been developed to serve various types of bars, entities associated with the term ʺbar,ʺ and the general public. The .bar gTLD has been designed to meet the technical specifications of the new gTLD program, and the Applicant has strongly committed to creating a trusted internet zone free from negative externalities and abuse. User experience will be enhanced by the stringent takedown policies as required by ICANN (URS, UDRP, etc.) and the provision of an easily identifiable, memorable, and usable zone.

The nature of the .bar gTLD – by virtue of introducing new and appropriate domain names that were previously unavailable on the primary market – will minimize the financial resources required by all kinds of bars to establish their increasingly important internet presence.

Furthermore, this internet presence will be truly global and free from the constraints of limited domain name availability, limiting, expensive and restrictive ccTLD policies, and linguistic compromise. Additionally, it provides an easily navigable space that improves user comprehension of the nature of the zone and the domains and websites that occupy it, as well as minimizing user confusion as to the type of registrant and website identified with a particular domain.

i. Punto 2012 has taken great care to develop the most fair registration policy possible. It will offer a phased launch consistent with ICANN requirements and previous gTLD launches to ensure the protection of Trademark holders and the satisfaction of potential registrants. The ICANN-mandated Sunrise period open to TM holders will precede a Landrush or Premium Name availability period during which applicants are able to register their interest for various domain names (in the event of conflicting requests, the names will be sent to auction). The Landrush phase will be followed by General Availability, during which time domain names will become available for purchase by any entity on a first-come, first-served basis.

ii. Applicant is considering doing bulk pricing discounts for registrars and co-marketing programs for those entities that are willing to dedicate resources into promoting the .bar gTLD. Other marketing programs may be put in place based on the results of Applicantʹs ongoing research of the target market. The details of any marketing programs will be finalised prior to launch.

iii. Domains will be available for purchase for periods of one to ten years at the discretion of the registrar as per ICANN’s Registry Agreement. At this time we do not foresee a need to increase the registry fees, but the registry will certainly give ample notice of any change in fees as required by the Registry Agreement.

Similar gTLD applications: (3)