The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICAAN) must take new steps to protect trademarks and other intellectual property, it has been claimed.
According to the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), the organization must react quickly to problems it sees developing as applications come in for new generic top level domains (gTLDs).
ICANN needs to make “an adjustment” if it sees trademark and other problems during the three-month application period for new gTLDs, the SIIA claimed.
Scott Bain, SIAA’s chief litigation counsel, said ICANN would gain practical insight into potential issues as gTLD applications are made.
SIIA has also called on ICANN to look for new ways to protect copyright owners when they see subdomains.
“We’re going to want some mechanisms in place to ensure it’s not abused,” Mr. Bain stated.
“When you have a gTLD that is obviously directed at a particular industry or category, there should be some assurance that it’s going to be used only for licensed or authorized purposes.”