Update On The New gTLD Trademark Clearinghouse "Strawman Solution"

With the first delegations of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) potentially just weeks away, organizations should be continuing to consider how to best protect their valuable trademarks and brands in the expanding Internet space. Although ICANN included several new rights protection mechanisms in the new gTLD program, most notably the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) and Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS), brand owners have been expressing concerns that the proposed mechanisms are still not adequate to address the potential for significant increases in online infringement as a result of the growth in the number of Internet registries.

In late 2012, following discussions with brand owners and other ICANN community stakeholders over the course of several months, ICANN proposed its Trademark Clearinghouse Strawman Solution for improved rights protection mechanisms for new gTLDs, and held a public comment period. After consideration of the public comments, ICANN