Re: 60 day waiting period

["Craig A. Finseth" <fin@winternet.com>]

	...
   Would you support a 60 day wait if it were presented to URL registrants as
   an OPTION, where those registrants desiring enhanced URL stability and
   peace of mind could opt to endure the 60 day wait, while at the same time
   those registrants not wanting the extra insurance provided by the 60 day
   wait could opt to immediately begin using their URLs?
   Leo Smith
   860 668 4000
	...

I, for one, like this approach.

As I have read more postings to this list, I see the 60 day waiting
period as more and more of a problem.

First, to a startup, 60 days is _forever_.  Imagine getting everything
ready, yet having to sit around and twiddle thumbs WHILE SPENDING
MONEY AT A FURIOUS PACE.  Remember, this hold affects EVERYTHING these
days: not only product, but magazine ads, business cards, letterhead, etc.

And this occurs at a time when a new company is particularly vulnerable.

I see a new form of sabotage: watch for new registrations, and
challenge everything that might affect you.  In many cases, all it
takes is a nice letter from an existing trademarker holder inquiring
as to whether there might be a problem (not even a threat of action)
and the new venture will be stillborn.  Or, at best, forced to undergo
a major change at a time when the new company must focus on more
important issues.

And, even if there is no infringement, a competitor now gets 60 days'
notice of competition: free!

Craig