Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

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ICANN has approved a procedure for obtaining new generic top-level domains that can be brand names, places and concepts. This is likely to generate disputes, especially trademark infringement. To address these disputes, ICANN has developed six new dispute resolution processes. Part I of this article provides an introduction to the new gTLD program and the DRPs. Part II will deal with the DRP procedures.

We are in the early days of a new program introduced by ICANN1 to add many new generic top-level domains (gTLDs)2 to the Internet domain name system. Most of the discussion of these new gTLDs has focused on the pros and cons of having them at all, and the cost to, and effect on, business and brand owners (particularly, the threats allegedly posed to trademark