Latest Fresh TLD Applicant Guidebook Still Disses Go Daddy, Demand Media

Firms still fall victim to anti-cybersquatting rule for fresh TLD applicants.

The latest (but certainly not final) version of the fresh top level domain name guidebook still includes a provision that, at least by the spirit of the clause, would prevent Go Daddy and Demand Media (NYSE: DMD) from applying for fresh top level domain names.

Section 1.2.1 of the May 20 release (sizable pdf) includes a laundry list of reasons why an applicant would be barred from registering a top level domain name, counting if they have been “involved in of a pattern of adverse, final decisions indicating that the applicant or individual named in the application was engaged in cybersquatting.”

The guidebook defines this as three adverse decisions (counting UDRP) counting one in the past four years.

Both Go Daddy and Demand Media (which owns eNom) would be barred under this provision as they have multiple UDRP losses. Demand Media is clearly concerned regarding this provision.

That stated, I still think there are loopholes that would allow these entities to apply.