March 03,2013
ICANN is requesting feedback on Closed Generic TLDs. A Closed Generic is a TLD that consists of a generic term but domain names within the TLD will not be sold to the public.
ICANN is currently seeking public comment on the subject of œclosed generic Top Level Domain (TLD) applications. A Top Level Domain is the text to the right of the final dot in a domain name. For example, .COM is the most popular Top Level Domain today. A œClosed Generic is a TLD that is a generic term, but domains within that TLD will not be sold to the public.
There are those who object to generic terms such as .book being operated as closed registries. For example, Google, Inc., has applied to create the .Search TLD to allow it to improve its search functionality, and Amazon.com has applied for the .book TLD to allow it to segregate its book product offerings onto a separate TLD. Many oppose these projects because, it is said, that these TLDs offer companies like Google, Inc. and Amazon an "unfair competitive advantage".
On the other hand, there are those who believe that Closed Generics should be permitted because they do not represent an unfair competitive advantage. By way of comparison, the leading bookseller online is Amazon.com - not Book.com. Those who support Closed Generics are in favor of innovation and competitive freedom, with no restrictions on the types of services that can be provided through a Top Level Domain.
To date, there have been 42 comments submited to ICANN's public comments section:
2 Commenters Support Allowing Closed Generic Top Level Domains
39 Commenters are Opposed to Closed Generic Top Level Domains
1 Commenter is Opposed to the current gTLD Application Process all together
