Re: The trademark issue

[Michael Dillon <michael@memra.com>]

On Mon, 9 Dec 1996, Gilles LERAT wrote:

> 		* No generic names (no  paris.fr,  tourisme.fr, ....).

The 3LD proposals I have put forward such as .ALT effectively enforce this
rule since no one can be delegated PARIS.ALT or TOURISME.ALT

However, anyone can register TOURISME.PARIS.ALT, TOURISM.PARIS.ALT,
REGARDE-SUR.PARIS.ALT, VOYAGER.PARIS.ALT, TOUR.PARIS.ALT, TOUR.EIFFEL.ALT
and so on. So perhaps .ALT allows generic names but makes it difficult to
monopolize generic words.

> 		* Classification by categories.

.ALT allows for a natural system of classifications. Just as the real
world provides many overlapping systems of classification that are often
redundant, the .ALT iTLD can provide many overlapping systems of
classification.

> If we make strict rules on newly created iTLDs, registries running these
> iTLDs will complain (with reason) that they are not treated the same way as NSI.

Strict rules never work. People break them. However if you provide a place
where the rules are loosened then rather than attempting to break the
rules everywhere, people will gravitate towards this looser place. The
.ALT iTLD is intended to be such a loose place.

By creating iTLD's which only register 3LD's and specifically by creating
.ALT, we make it impossible for companies to "protect" their trademarks by
registering "their" domain in every iTLD. There would be so many possible
places to register that trying to do so would be as silly as trying to
have a street named after them in every single city, town and village in
the USA just to prevent others from creating a Macdonald's St. or a
Pepsi Avenue. This is a good thing because companies will wake up and
realize that attempting such a thing will only create negative publicity
for them. They will realize that there are better ways to protect their
trademarks.

Michael Dillon                   -               Internet & ISP Consulting
Memra Software Inc.              -                  Fax: +1-604-546-3049
http://www.memra.com             -               E-mail: michael@memra.com