.gcc Pre-Register Domain - .gcc Domain Information

Model: .GCC is an open Top Level Domain (TLD) created specifically to enhance and develop the provision of Internet services for users in the Gulf and Middle East region.

.GCC will be marketed globally to provide a competitive alternative to existing generic TLDs, regional country code TLDs and to other new TLDs. .GCC will be operated as a commercial for-profit venture with a network of registrars and a low-cost platform for ongoing management.

Mission:
GCCIX intends to position the .GCC TLD as a broadly distributed alternative to .COM, .NET and .BIZ and other widely used TLDs and ccTLDs such as the existing regional ccTLD offerings. Our goal is bring to the region a top-level domain that operates to the highest international standards of registry practices and services. We are committed to providing exemplary functional utility as well as an opportunity for Internet users with a connection to the Gulf and Middle East to secure a domain name in a new, innovative and competitive TLD.

The clearly expressed goal of ICANN is that the Internet should operate as a universal resource, equally accessible and operable by all, irrespective of language, location or culture. It is equally clear that the starting point of the Internet has naturally favored an embedded culture of English usage and preferences.

This round of development is a clear reassertion of ICANNʹs goals and enables the opportunity to address embedded imbalances to open access for communities of current and potential users. Moreover, ICANN has recognized that the overwhelming dominance of .COM has perpetually advantaged those who had the opportunity for early registration. New communities of users are effectively excluded from the benefits of registration in .COM by the overpopulation of the DNS, and are unable to rebalance their lack of opportunity without preferential access to newly created TLDs that have the potential to be as influential as .COM in their own sphere of interest (whether geographic or topical).

.GCC will create a region-specific new TLD that allows previously excluded and disadvantaged users to take a stake in a meaningful cultural and economic tool that is specifically designed to respond to their linguistic, cultural and specific business needs.
GCC refers generally, but not exclusively, to the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Formed in May 1981 as a regional organization, it consists of six Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Its main objectives are to enhance coordination, integration and inter-connection between its members in different spheres. This application is not connected with or sponsored by the Council. .GCC does not purport to represent the Council. However, the term ʺGCCʺ has become commonly used to refer generally to the countries and people of the Gulf and Middle East region. It is expected that the general usage and understanding of the region encapsulated by the term ʺGCCʺ will continue to grow. The generally accepted broad usage of ʺGCCʺ allows for a generic TLD that creates a logical and easily identifiable connection for registrants and Internet users who share common interests in the region, not dissimilar to the development of the European Union which has been served for many years by the .eu domain.

.GCC will:
* Create a viable, innovative and competitive alternative to existing gTLDs and regional ccTLDs
* Demarcate a clear identity on the Internet for registrants who see value in establishing a domain under .GCC
* Significantly enhance existing Internet and TLD services in the region using the Arabic language and script
* Offer new opportunities for Internet user communities and migrating registrants to secure domain names that are relevant to their activities and (trading) name(s) in a new, innovative, and competitive TLD
* Establish high level registry and registrar protocols for the benefit of consumers
* Support stakeholders in the region in beginning to compete globally in an economy increasingly driven by Internet business and communication
* Comply with all requirements of the laws of the Kingdom of Bahrain & other member states
* Demonstrate exemplary standards of community commitment and leading corporate social responsibility leadership to the operation of a TLD registry
* Operate the TLD with respect for cultural sensitivities

Mission in Context:
ICANN has set out a number of goals regarding the introduction of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). Among the most important of these are the following:
1. The need to maintain the Internetʹs stability and especially the protection of domain name holders from the effects of registry or registration-system failure.
2. The extent to which approval of the application would lead to an effective proof of concept concerning the expansion of the number of top level domains including:
* the diversity the proposed TLD would bring to the top level of the Internet to include fully open top level domains, restricted and chartered domains with limited scope, commercial domains, and personal domains
* support of a variety of business models and geographic locations.
3. The enhancement of competition for registration services at the registry and registrar level.
4. The enhancement of the utility of the DNS.
5. The extent to which the proposal would meet previously unmet needs.
6. The importance of appropriate protections of the rights of others, including intellectual property rights in connection with the operation of the TLD, especially during the start-up phases.
Purpose:
The purpose of this TLD is to:
* Advance the goals of ICANN as set out above
* Fulfill the TLDʹs mission as stated above

i. goal in terms of specialty, service levels, reputation
Definitions:
Registrants: Registrants includes all those who register a domain name in the TLD and who act in accordance with the stated user policies.
Users: Users includes the broader Internet community of users who interact with the TLD.
Others: Others whose interest is relevant to this application includes regulators, policy makers and other public authorities

Specialty experience
The Registry operations team brings considerable specialty experience in the Internet industry both in relation to high-level policy development, launch, operation and management practice in the region and globally. These experiences include managing domain name operations at the UKʹs first consumer ISP, running a globally distributed DNS monitoring platform used by numerous Root Server and TLD registry operators, founding an ISP/telecommunications company and a regional Internet Exchange, and serving as Founding Chairman of the Middle East Network Operators Group (MENOG). In addition, there is experience operating at executive board and management levels within the Regional Internet Registry that serves the Middle East. Significant marketing resources together with registrar partnerships and technical facilities enable the Registry to specialise in the provision of a competitive TLD that is an alternative to existing TLDs.
The Registryʹs services will be driven by customer focus, liberal policies balanced by cultural sensitivity, technological innovation and channel management expertise.
The cultural backgrounds and participation of the online community are key drivers of the services provided by GCCIX. GCCIX is mindful of the importance of confidence in the operation of the Internet. It is core to the application to be a Registry that is a leading model for Internet stability and security.

Service Levels
In order to advance its mission as stated above, GCCIX has brought together a team with expertise, experience and technical capacity to ensure that the TLD is operated to the best industry standards, in compliance with ICANNʹs registry contract. The Registry will provide substantial network infrastructure that can guarantee maximum performance and reliability as well as scale seamlessly to meet variations in demand.

Reputation
GCCIX is committed to ensuring that the reputation of .GCC is enhanced by this delegation. The services and operability of .GCC have been designed with the specific policy goals of ICANN in mind.
GCCIX believes that its responsibility as a registry extends beyond registrants and users of the Internet. Our credentials as an organization motivated to provide high-level public services are well established. GCCIX was created in August 2011 as the Gulfʹs first truly independent Internet Exchange Point, entirely free of any carrier or government involvement.
GCCIX has also facilitated the expansion of the CDN and DNS Root Server regional footprint. Our commitment to the development of Internet services in the region rests on the fundamental belief that the Internet must continue as an open resource that advances universal benefits.

Our intention is to support the goals of ICANN and the original concept of the Internet as a universal resource by acting philanthropically and inspirationally in the dedication of our services. We have made significant investment in the above-mentioned developments with neither the expectation nor motivation of profit. The return and value creation we seek is developing the Internet as a tool that will stimulate economic growth, development and benefit to all users. Our participation in the region enables us to understand the historic context, the contemporary needs, and the future potential for the region to flourish as part of the international Internet community. Our application for the .GCC TLD represents a logical extension of our endeavors.

ii.

Context for Competition
Statistical evidence demonstrates the continued expansion of Internet registrations. The number of domains in the current generic TLD space ( for example.COM, .NET, .ORG, .INFO, .BIZ and . US) is in excess of 135 million (see http://www.whois.sc/internet-statistics ) and there are over 215 million registered domain names in all TLDs. In the second quarter of 2011 more than five million domain names were added to the Internet, marking a growth rate of 2.5% over the first quarter.

The .COM and .NET TLDs experienced aggregate growth, surpassing a combined total of 110 million names in the second quarter of 2011, representing a 1.8 percent increase in the base over the first quarter of 2011 and an 8.3 percent increase over the same quarter in 2010. In the same period, 2.9 million ccTLD domain names were added, bringing total ccTLD registrations to approximately 84.6 million. This is an increase of approximately 6.6 million domain names, or 8.4 percent from a year ago.

The enthusiastic take-up rate is evidence of the positive impact of increased TLD opportunities. While .COM will continue for some time to be dominant in the domain name market, there is clear evidence that consumers seek TLD innovation and differentiation.

In particular, the following issues arise in the current environment:
* challenges for registrants to secure a unique and appropriate name within a heavily populated gTLD space
* challenges for users to locate authentic sources of information
* cybersquatting and entrenched inactive ownership of domain names

Competition
Research indicates that, in contrast to the global context described above, the GCC regional ccTLD market has had slow growth, and for the most part, this is due to a lack of competition, high prices, restrictive policies, manual processing of applications and long delegation delays.

With 40 million inhabitants, the region has an estimated combined total of just 200,000 registrations across six country codes, five of which require proof of a local presence to register a domain name. Registration times are much longer than in registries that use standard EPP systems. This is largely true because of manual processes in place that mandate the manual verification of presence requirements. Registration fees in these regionally focused domains are multiple times that of broadly available TLDs. Unsurprisingly, many registrants prefer to use the established gTLDs even though this means settling for a less appropriate name.

.GCC represents a strong competitive alternative to existing regional ccTLDs by providing instant registration and delegation under the most liberal framework permitted by law, within a TLD which has local significance. The advantage over generic TLDs is that .GCC will provide more ʹfirst choiceʹ labels while respecting important local cultural considerations. We believe that introducing such competition will stimulate other TLDs within the region.

.GCC will be a valuable digital asset dedicated residents living and working in the region. Registrants will have the opportunity to create and control an online identity reflective of their culture and society and with the potential to help fuel greater Internet use across the region. GCCIXʹs proposal is founded on the belief that competition in the marketplace makes for stronger, more innovative and more creative alternatives for the consumer.

Like other actions that remove artificial barriers to entry, the likely effect of the expansion of this TLD is to increase innovation and lower prices over the longer term. GCCIX has allocated appropriate funding to ensure the long-term viability and stability of its proposed registry. We believe that standards and services in the technical solution are paramount for delivering optimal service.

Differentiation
The differentiation of this registry from existing market offerings is key to competition. .GCC is explicitly by:
* A unique and meaningful three letter string
* The most liberal policies of any TLD in the region whilst maintaining respect for cultural sensitivities
* Preferential opportunities for registration, described launch policies below
* The opportunity to self-select a regional affiliation that reaches past jurisdictional boundaries. Previously, entities in the area were caught between narrow ccTLD presence requirements on one side and an undifferentiated global registration pool in the gTLD marketplace on the other.
GCCIX has a rich understanding of the needs of the global and local Internet community and is committed to building a domain name system that grows with and responds to the needs for services, products and information sought by the local community. A steady, secure and responsive service that offers users a competitively priced and distinctive service will enable the TLD to operate as a genuine and enduring alternative to existing TLDs.

Future opportunities for differentiation
GCCIX is committed to providing IDN support at the second level in the future, once registry operations are stable. Whereas the primary language of the region is Arabic, half of the registries serving the region only permit registrations using ASCII characters. GCCIX believe that it is fundamentally important to support Arabic script if .GCC is to succeed. We observe that there are significant number of groups within the GCC region that use other non-roman, non-Arabic scripts (for example the Indian and Filipino communities). We will gauge community demand with respect to supporting additional character sets.

Innovation
GCCIX believes that in a vital public and business service such as the Internet, innovation must be founded on the critical requirements of DNS stability & security.
Policies for the .GCC registry have been developed to extend and enhance existing procedures in an incremental and cooperative manner.

iii.
We aim to ensure that the user experience achieves the following outcomes:

a) Customer Service: rapid, responsive and reliable customer service using leading technology supporting the registrant from registration onward
b) Accessibility: preferential registration opportunities to support policies of regional access to a new attractive TLD
c) Robust neutrality, data security and privacy
d) Robust data escrow
e) Internet standards regarding naming and reserved names
f) Liberal, yet culturally sensitive standards of acceptable-use policy and registrar agreements
g) Leading protocols on Technology, Anti- Cybersquatting and WHOIS.

iv.

GCCIX has developed the following explicit policies to support the user-experience goals enunciated in above.

(a) Customer service

There is strong evidence that Internet registration and usage grows where service quality is enhanced. One regional ccTLD adopted EPP and rapidly represented approximately 45% (approximately 90,000 of 200,000) of the regional non-generic registrations. Unfortunately, this benefit was only available to users of that ccTLD. The untapped potential in the region of the Internet as an accessible resource for business and communication will be addressed by the introduction of the .GCC TLD.

The development of a clear channel to market for new second level registrations is critical to the success of any TLD. Strong cooperative relationships with local registrars will be forged.. GCCIX has committed funding, focused management of TLD programs across registrars, and registrar participation in program management.

(b) Accessibility
In order to compete with existing generic TLDs, .GCC will offer unrestricted access to registrants subject to comprehensive ICANN approved privacy and trademark protections. Our sunrise and landrush policies will enable early opportunities for entities in the region to secure their preferred domain name in the .GCC space.

GCCIX is committed to the operation and development of an outstanding registry that expands the accessibility and function of the Internet to new communities. A commitment to leading Internet corporate citizenship remains a critical element of the financial and policy platform.

GCCIX has focused particularly on policies and procedures that enhance the external benefits of .GCC. More particularly the facilitation of trademark protection both before and after domain name registration, sunrise service, trademark claims service and opportunities for entry after landrush.

We believe that an immediate benefit to the Internet community is the open access to a new gTLD that will relieve name scarcity and offer new and fair opportunities to acquire domain names. As new Internet communities are established, the issue of name scarcity becomes both more pressing and emphasizes the entry disadvantages to new registrants. The ʺlevel playing fieldʺ created by .GCC enables users to establish a meaningful Internet presence with a registry that is committed to strong marketing strategies to support the value, trust, and credibility of the TLD name.

(c) Robust Neutrality
The Registry will be operated on best industry and ICANN practices to ensure that it is a trusted, unbiased provider of core Internet DNS functionality while providing consistent and stable operation of a new TLD.

(d) Robust Data Security & Privacy
The Registry, as a neutral and trusted registry, must maintain the trust of the registrars and the consumers. Therefore, the Registry will not market in any way the registrant information obtained from registrars for purposes of running the registry nor will it share that data with any unrelated third parties.

The Registry will provide registrars with a mechanism for accessing and correcting personal data and will take reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction.

In addition, as part of the Registrar Code of Conduct, registrars will be required to abide by all applicable international, national, and local laws regarding data privacy and information collection.

(e) Robust Data Escrow: The Registry will follow all data escrow requirements mandated by ICANN and work with an ICANN accredited Data Escrow provider.

(f) Internet Standards Regarding Naming & Reserved Names
The Registry will reserve and block the registration of names as specified in Schedule 5 of the Registry Agreement. The Registry will reserve for itself a small number of names necessary for the secure operational and technical functions of the registry.

(g) Acceptable Use Policy and Registrar Agreements
The policy of the Registry and contracted registrars relating to the computer systems, hardware, servers, bandwidth, telecommunications transport and e-mail routing provided by the Registry and Domain Provider(s) will promote the integrity, security, reliability and privacy of the Registry Network and the Registrar(s).

The Registryʹs policy will follow leading industry standards that support the free flow of information over the Internet and inhibit the transmission of materials that offend relevant laws, rights, interests and codes of conduct. The policy will provide a complaints procedure and enforcement mechanisms.

The Registry and Domain Provider(s) and/or the Registrar may at its sole discretion remove any content or material or services such as URL forwarding, Email forwarding, DNS hosting, WHOIS protection and proxy privacy services from its servers, or terminate access to the Registry Network where it has been determined by the Registry and Domain Provider(s) and/or the Registrar that a registrant has violated the Acceptable Use Policy.

(h) Leading Protocols on Technology, Anti-Cybersquatting & WHOIS
The Registry will adhere to all existing ICANN policies as well as commit to further evolution of TLD policies that advance ICANNʹs core principles in the operation of the Internet. While this round of applications for new TLDs may revolutionize the Internet, the Registry believes that such revolution be supported by evolutionary development of operational rules. The Registry is committed to a full and cooperative partnership with ICANN in the growth of Internet services on a secure and sustained basis through, for example, Generic Names Supporting Organisation policy development processes.

v.

GCCIX recognizes the importance of balancing individual privacy rights with the rights of intellectual property owners, law enforcement and other interested third parties who have access to WHOIS data for legitimate uses. Comprehensive privacy and authentication rules are built into the operation of .GCC consistent with requirements under the Registry Agreement.

As privacy and confidentiality of personal information are key elements in the provision of a positive user experience, the Registry will take all reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction. The Registry will also comply, in accordance with the Registry Agreement, with all existing and future consensus policies as formally adopted by ICANN.

The Registry will operate a WHOIS service in accordance with Specification 4 of the Registry Agreement, in full compliance with applicable privacy laws or policies. The Registry will also implement appropriate measures to avoid abuse of WHOIS in order that access is restricted to legitimate authorized users. As the Registry will only use ICANN-accredited registrars, the registrars will be required to implement the data privacy policies as defined in the Registrar Accreditation Agreement.

vi. Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will help to achieve your projected benefits
Context for Projected Benefits
It is clear from historic data relating both to registrations in.COM and other generic TLDs, as well as industry specific and country-code registrations, that the demand for unrestricted domain names has grown exponentially. The number of registrations in the.COM TLD far outstrips all of the other TLDs. There are no indications that there will be any slowing of this trend and demand is expected to continue to grow as the needs of new generations of Internet users evolve.

Registrant / User Outreach and Communication

GCCIX will communicate to users through wide public and industry channels. While accurate predictions of the initial volume of registration requests can only be speculative, GCCIX will ensure that it is able to provide contingencies for the case where demand greatly exceeds predictions. Through its appointed marketing partners, the Registry will market and brand.GCC in the target region and worldwide. Through these marketing efforts, the Registry acts to fulfill ICANNʹs mission to enhance the functionality and usability of the Internet on a global basis.

Registrar Outreach and Communication
The Registry will undertake a pro-active educational campaign with registrars to quantify the opportunity for Internet end-users. This will involve a systematic information drive and personal contact from the registry customer support staff and account managers.

Registry Outreach and Communication
The Registry will allocate resources to fund and support collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adoption of best practices among all TLD operators in the GCC region.

User Outreach and Communication
GCCIX will actively seek opportunities to promote awareness of and activities to combat issues such as online threats, phishing and cybercrime. These opportunities may be pursued as annual awards, educational initiatives at all levels of the Internetʹs user population including at educational establishments, and participation in conferences, and other similar activities.

i. resolving competing applications
Policy Context
The Registry is committed to the broad policy goals expressed by ICANN in the evolution of this round of expansion of TLDs. Consistent with those policies, it is committed to providing a scalable, comprehensive and stable addition to the DNS.

Registry choice and consumers
A key consumer benefit will flow from the right selection of Registrars. The Registry will select ICANN-accredited registrar(s) that wish to enter into an agreement to register domain names in the TLD. As part of the selection process, the Registry will evaluate each registrar on a case-by-case basis, weighing the following characteristics:
• Thorough understanding of the principles and intentions underlying the registration policies;
• Geographic and language diversity reflecting the diversity of the region
• Dedicated willingness and ability to propagate and enforce specifications or policies in an observant and diligent manner and in accordance with policies and procedures prescribed by Registry Operator;
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to publicize and market .GCC, and to use .GCC marketing materials as appropriate;
• Demonstration that sufficient staff resources are available and that the ability to interface with automated and manual elements of the TLD registry process is inbuilt;
• Demonstrated systems designed to avoid submission of clearly inappropriate applicants and
• Demonstrated systems designed to avoid any disputes regarding transfers among registrars.

In order to ensure a fair and open opportunity to enter into a registry/registrar agreement, the Registry will review and revise our selection of registrars and registrar criteria from time to time.

Competing Applications and Intellectual Property Protection - Sunrise
In relation to contention that involve intellectual property, The Registry will minimise costs to consumers in protecting their intellectual property through the following mechanisms:
(i) implementation of the Schedule of Reserved Names set out in Specification 5 of the Registry Agreement
(ii) implementation and adherence to rights protection mechanisms that may be mandated from time to time by ICANN, including all mechanisms mandated in Specification 7 of the Registry Agreement
(iii) implementation in accordance with the requirements established by ICANN of each of the mandatory rights protection mechanisms set forth in the Trademark Clearinghouse
(iv) compliance with ICANN rules on dispute resolution mechanism as they may be revised from time to time, including the Trademark Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure (PDDRP) and the Registration Restriction Dispute Resolution Procedure (RRDRP) when the final procedure is adopted
(v) compliance with the Uniform Rapid Suspension system (URS)
(vi) Sunrise registration services in accordance with the Registry Agreement. The Sunrise period will be in place for at least a 30 day period to allow eligible rights holders to register names in the TLD. A Sunrise A will be for eligible trademarks compliant with the Registry Policy. Sunrise B will be used for all other eligible trademarks. Clear rules for the Sunrise policy and processes will be published well ahead of Registry launch. There will be a Sunrise Dispute Resolution Policy.
(vii) A Notification service to trade mark owners who have registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse that someone else is applying for a Sunrise registration for an exact match.
(viii) A Trademark Claims service (for at least 60 days) to provides notice to potential registrants of existing trademark rights that are registered in the Trademark Clearinghouse (that is, a warning to not register a name that might infringe).


Competing Applications - Landrush and General Availability
GCCIX is dedicated to ensuring a fair opportunity for all users to register a domain name to which they are legally entitled.

(i) The Sunrise policy focuses on fulfilling the objectives of the Registry and is described in the answer to question 29.
(ii) Following the Sunrise period the Registry will operate a Landrush to allocate premium names.
(iii) At the close of Landrush, General Availability will start. This will be on a first-come first-served model.
(iv) Expired names: The Registry believes that all domain name registrants should be on an equal footing in terms of securing an expired domain name. For this reason the registry will establish reasonable polices and take practical actions to discourage the acquisition of expiring domain names by secondary market aggregators for auction, arbitrage or other re-sale that reduces available domains at the normal market price.
(v) Speculative registrations: The .GCC namespace is intended to be a current and relevant group of registrations that is active and not stifled by speculative or abusive registrations. GCCIX will establish reasonable policies and take practical actions to discourage speculative and unused registration of domains.

Full details of the Sunrise and Landrush policies and processes will be made available in due course.

ii. Explain any cost benefits for registrants you intend to implement (eg advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts)

GCCIX is committed to a pricing policy that advances its mission. Consistent with this policy, the Registry will implement the following.

Billing and Collection Procedures
The Registryʹs billing and collections procedures will be consistent with existing industry procedures. All payments for new TLD registrations will be on an upfront payment basis. No registration will be completed until the registry receives payment. Because registry services to the registrant will be provided through the registrars, all billing and collections policy matters with respect to the registrant will be the responsibility of the registrars.

Registration Prices
Registration prices will be at the discretion of individual accredited registrars. It will be in the interests of Registrars to price registration competitively and offer attractive additional services in order to maximize the number of registrations they secure.

The Registry will set a fixed price to the Registrar for each domain name registration per year.

Registrars will be required to register each domain name for a period of one to ten years.

Registrars will be required to remit a registration to the Registry for the exact period of the Registry-Registrant agreement.

For domain name renewal fees, the Registry will similarly charge a fixed price to Registrars for each renewal year.

The Registry has chosen a flat annual registration and renewal fee structure so that it reduces costs to the Internet user community.

The Registry will consistently support the investigation and adoption of new and approved technologies that contribute to the stability and robustness of the Internet (e.g. DNSSEC, IPv6, etc) at the appropriate times. Further, GGCIX will investigate the use of incentives at the Registrar and Registrant levels to encourage the use of these consensus best practices.

iii. price increase policy?
Price increase policy
In conformity with the Registry Agreement, the Registry will provide advance written notice to Registrars of price increases. GCCIX is mindful of the diverse stakeholder input during the development of the New gTLD Registry Agreement. Consistent with support of ICANNʹs policy on the expansion of the DNS, it will give full consideration to the enduring diverse and communal interests if and when price escalation is initiated. While the Registry does not plan to execute a contractual agreement with Registrars relating to price increase or escalation, it will only make such increases in line with equitable and non-discriminatory policies.

The Registry commits not to increase prices during the first three years of operation.

The Registry commits not to increase prices more than once in any 12 month period.

The Registry commits to honour the price paid for multi-year registrations in the event that prices are increased during the initial term. Renewals and extensions will always be processed at the prevailing prices.

(Note Specification 5 of Registry Agreement)
The Registry is cognizant of the GAC advice in their management of second level domain name registrations as well as Specification 5 of the Registry Agreement.

Specification 5 of the New gTLD Registry Agreement initially reserves at the 2nd and all other levels within the TLD:
* Country and territory names contained on the ISO 3166-1 list
* UN Group of Experts on Geographical Names, Technical Reference Manual for the Standardisation of Geographical Names, Part II Names of Countries of the World, and
* The list of UN member states in 6 official UN languages prepared by the Working Group on Country Names of the UN Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names

In accordance with the provisions contained in Specification 5, such names may be released if the Registry Operator reaches agreement with the applicable government and/or the Registry Operator proposes release of the reserved name(s) subject to review by GAC and subsequent approval by ICANN.