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<div class=Section1>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Dear fellow members,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Prior to the close of the last round of
comments on the DAG v2, RNA Partners submitted a comment that focused on the
fact that ICANN is embarking on rolling out new TLDs without establishing some
parameters around what a TLD is, i.e., a definition. The logic in favor
of defining the TLD is simple: Applicants should be encouraged to expand
the name space, but should not be allowed to cannibalize other registries.
A case in point was the round of 2004, when Tralliance Corporation
received the right to manage .TRAVEL we were restricted from marketing to any
travel entities that would fall under .AERO, i.e. airports, airlines, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>In the discussions that I have had with ICANN
community leadership over the last weeks it appears that all support the logic
of including two questions in the final AG: (1) what community do you intend to
serve? and (2) how does your TLD differentiate itself from others in the
DNS? Answers to these two questions that demonstrate added value to the
DNS would ensure that only those TLDs which act in harmony with one another are
added to the root, rather than allowing applicants that meet the current
criteria in DAG v3 irrespective of the fact that they may overlap or undercut
another registry. With some 24 gTLDs today, one might say there is
relatively little concern about this horizon issue; however, 5-10 years out,
without the protections we are recommending, new applicant registry operators
would have no impediment to undermining successful TLDs by selecting names that
would diminish an established domain space. That would be anything but an
orderly introduction of new TLDs to the DNS.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>We have reached out the GAC in this
regard, as their recent communication with ICANN appears to be inline with our
concerns. I have included my email to the Canadian GAC representative below
for your information.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>In the interest of full disclosure, RNA
Partners management is intending to apply to manage .SPORT on behalf of the
global sport community. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>I look forward to furthering this dialogue
with you on the list and in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Seoul</st1:place></st1:City>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Thank you for your consideration in bringing
this issue to an appropriate resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Kind regards,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>RA<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Ronald N. Andruff<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>RNA Partners, Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>220 <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address
w:st="on">Fifth Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, 20th floor<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=2
color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:blue'>New York</span></font></st1:City><font size=2 color=blue
face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>, <st1:State
w:st="on">New York</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">10001</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><a href="http://www.rnapartners.com"
title="http://www.rnapartners.com">www.rnapartners.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>V: +1 212 481 2820 x 11<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'>F: +1 212 481 2859 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=blue face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabIndex=-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> Ron Andruff
[mailto:randruff@rnapartners.com] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> 2009-10-09 18:24<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> '<st1:PersonName w:st="on">Heather
Dryden</st1:PersonName>'<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Cc:</span></b> '<st1:PersonName w:st="on">Marilyn
Cade</st1:PersonName>'; <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Cherian Mathai</st1:PersonName><br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Orderly introduction of
new TLDs<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Importance:</span></b> High</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Dear Heather,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I am contacting you at the suggestion of <st1:PersonName
w:st="on">Marilyn Cade</st1:PersonName> as I, like you, am Canadian ;o) and a
colleague of Marilyn’s for some 10-years in the Business
Constituency. I also note, in the interest of full disclosure, that my
company will be applying to manage the <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>.sport
</span></b>domain for the global sporting community.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Marilyn and I have been discussing how to enroll ICANN in
the notion of an <u>orderly</u> introduction of new gTLDs and were considering
the GAC correspondence to ICANN Chair, Peter Dengate-Thrush of August 18<sup>th</sup>,
2009, in light of our concerns. I note that much of the contents of that
letter are consistent with the Business Constituency position on new TLDs, as
well as our personally-held position. The BC set forth the following
principles regarding expanding the name space following the round of
2000: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;font-style:italic'>Five principles to
determine future expansion <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Name space expansion should create
added-value. Where there is added-value there will be user demand. In this way
expansion will enhance choice, competition and be in the public interest. In a
global market economy added-value means differentiation and a practical way to
achieve this is if all new names meet five principles:<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p>
<table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0
style='margin-left:5.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'>
<tr>
<td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.7pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>1<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=125 valign=top style='width:93.5pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'> Differentiation <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=423 valign=top style='width:317.55pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>a gTLD must be clearly differentiated
from other gTLDs<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.7pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>2<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=125 valign=top style='width:93.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'> Certainty <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=423 valign=top style='width:317.55pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>a gTLD must give the user confidence
that it stands for what it purports to stand for<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.7pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>3<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=125 valign=top style='width:93.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'> Good faith <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=423 valign=top style='width:317.55pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>a gTLD must avoid increasing
opportunities for bad faith entities who wish to defraud users<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.7pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>4<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=125 valign=top style='width:93.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'> Competition <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=423 valign=top style='width:317.55pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>a gTLD must create added-value
competition<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width=36 valign=top style='width:26.7pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>5<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=125 valign=top style='width:93.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'> Diversity <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
<td width=423 valign=top style='width:317.55pt;border-top:none;border-left:
none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>a gTLD must serve commercial or
non-commercial users<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Amongst several comments on DAG v 2, the BC noted the
following: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><u><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Module 1</span></font></u></i><i><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in;mso-list:l2 level4 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.1.2.7<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>
</span></font></span></span></font></i><![endif]><i><font face=Arial><span
style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>We agree with the standard for
confusingly similar gTLD strings, which will not be allowed if they are deemed
“so similar that they create a probability of detrimental user confusion
if more than one is delegated.” But more detail is needed as to how
ICANN will make this determination.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><u><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Module 2<o:p></o:p></span></font></u></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in;mso-list:l0 level4 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.1.1.1</span></span></font></i><![endif]><i><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>The Standard for
String Confusion is inaccurately limited to “visually”
similar. Instead string confusion should be deemed to exist where they
are “so similar – in sight, sound or <u>meaning</u>
– that they create a probability of detrimental user confusion if more
than one is delegated.” <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I contacting you today because we would like to get a sense
from you as to how we should engage with the GAC to ensure that ICANN, in fact,
introduces new TLDs in an orderly and managed manner rather than its current
position of throwing open the door without consideration of the consequences of
their actions further down the road.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>In July 2009 we submitted a comment to DAG v2 that focused
on the fact that ICANN is embarking on rolling out new TLDs without
establishing some parameters around what a TLD is, i.e., a definition.
The logic is simple: Applicants should be entitled to flesh out the name
space, but should not be allowed to cannibalize other registries. Our
comment is noted here:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<h3><b><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:
Arial;font-style:italic'>ICANN must re-confirm the definition of a 'top-level
domain'<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></b></h3>
<ul type=disc>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><em><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'><!--X-Subject-Header-End--><!--X-Head-of-Message-->To</span></font></i></em><i><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>:
<e-gtld-evaluation@xxxxxxxxx> <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><em><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Subject</span></font></i></em><i><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>: ICANN must
re-confirm the definition of a 'top-level domain' <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></li>
<li class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><em><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial'>From</span></font></i></em><i><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>: "Ron
Andruff" <randruff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></li>
</ul>
<p class=MsoNormal><em><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Date</span></font></i></em><i><font face=Arial><span
style='font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:34:27 -0400 <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p>
<pre><i><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;
font-style:italic'><!--X-Head-Body-Sep-End--><!--X-Body-of-Message-->To avoid the useless squandering of time and financial resources of ICANN reviewers, staff and those of new TLD applicants, as well as to avoid the needless bogging down of the roll out of new TLDs with objections based upon (1) string confusion; (2) misappropriation of community; and (3) infringement on the rights of others, ICANN must define what a top-level domain is. <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>We recommend that the definition should be "the apex of a well-defined human activity, a community or a sector"; the key word in that definition being "apex", which directly equates to the word "top" of "top-level domain".<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>This area was well-addressed in the new TLD application process used in the last round of introductions of new TLDs, but is missing from the current Draft Applicant Guidebook ("DAG"). In the applications for the 2004 round of sponsored top-level domains, the first question [paraphrased] was: How does the proposed TLD add new value to the Internet? The second question was: How does an application differentiate from existing TLDs? And the third question asked: Which unmet needs does a proposed new TLD meet? ICANN staff cannot overlook or discard these core principles going forward unless it intends to unilaterally abandon the logical expansion of the domain name space that the ICANN community has worked so long and hard to establish from the outset of ICANN's existence. This would be tantamount to abandoning the bottom up principles upon which ICANN was built and stands today.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Absent inclusion of this critical definition, ICANN would open the door to a proliferation of TLDs that would be miniature sub-segments of apex TLDs, which would lead to user confusion at best, and, without doubt, challenges from apex TLDs, unnecessary defensive registrations and pernicious compliance issues.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>A case in point would be that in the event .NYC is granted to a registry, and another five TLDs would be awarded for .BROOKLYN, .BRONX, .MANHATTAN, .STATENISLAND and .QUEENS (the five boroughs that comprise the City of <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">New York</st1:City></st1:place>), the cacophony of domain names for the same community would render the whole TLD process absurd.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>The second DAG is not clear on this issue and therefore we believe that this oversight needs to be rectified to ensure that these particular requirements from the 2004 introduction of new TLDs are included in the process guaranteeing that in all cases the anticipated TLD expansion first and foremost brings value to Internet users, and thus ICANN can avoid any circumstance where user confusion could arise.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>This issue can be addressed and clarified in the definition of "confusingly similar strings". The current definition should be expanded beyond the semantic equivalence to also address the diminution of a TLD. In rectifying this oversight in the third DAG, ICANN will not only avoid user confusion issues, but it will stop the loss of precious valuable resources that will undoubtedly be wasted on a myriad of objections that could have been clearly avoided from the start.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>We trust that ICANN appreciates that the logical expansion of the domain name space is at the heart of this process and that the critical issue we are raising is in the interest of all stakeholders in the new TLD process, but especially trademark holders, those with responsibility for Internet security and stability, ICANN compliance staff and, most importantly, Internet users both in the near term and those in the coming decades.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font
size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:
italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre><pre><i><font size=3
face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></pre>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>In August, the <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>.sport </span></b>Policy
Advisory Council (“PAC”), which represents the global sport
community sent a <a
href="http://www.icann.org/correspondence/baumann-to-dengate-thrush-20aug09-en.pdf"
title="http://www.icann.org/correspondence/baumann-to-dengate-thrush-20aug09-en.pdf">letter</a>
to ICANN CEO and Chair to advise ICANN of the support and concerns of the
international sports family, particularly with regard to diminution of <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>.sport</span></b>. Sport is concerned that such
diminution would gravely undermine sport solidarity, which enables stronger
federations to support those with less resources and capabilities. In
short, the PAC has very real concerns that ICANN would approve <b><span
style='font-weight:bold'>.sport </span></b>as well as .volleyball, .basketball
and the like.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>As I mentioned at the start of this email, we believe that
the GAC letter supports a position that calls for applicants to define their
intended community as well as what differentiation they bring to the DNS,
as examples of defining themselves (as was required in previous rounds).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I would be most grateful if you could advise us as to how we
best bring this forward for GAC consideration. I believe that the IP and
ISP constituencies, as well as the BC<font color=blue><span style='color:blue'>,
</span></font>support establishing clarity around this issue and ensuring new
TLDs are meaningful additions to the DNS (rather than creating a
free-for-all). GAC support would ensure a logical expansion.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this rather
long mail (I apologize for that!) and for giving us direction as we look to <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Seoul</st1:City></st1:place> to get consensus on
this position.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>I look forward to your soonest response. FYI, as I
will be traveling over the coming weeks leading up to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on">Seoul</st1:City></st1:place>, should you need to speak with me my
cell is: +1 917 770 2693.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Kind regards,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>RA<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>Ronald N. Andruff<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>RNA Partners, Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>220 <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Fifth
Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, 20th floor<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=2
face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>New York</span></font></st1:City><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'>, <st1:State
w:st="on">New York</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">10001</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.rnapartners.com"
title="http://www.rnapartners.com">www.rnapartners.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>V: +1 212 481 2820 x 11<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Arial'>F: +1 212 481 2859 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face=Arial><span style='font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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