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Note 8. All definitions are presented individually. However, these definitions need to be considered holistically in order to determine "the extent to which the introduction or expansion of gTLDs has promoted competition, consumer trust, and consumer choice" (Affirmation Para 9.3).
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The working group adopted the following definitions to accommodate this request:
- “Closed gTLD” refers to a gTLD where ICANN has granted the paragraph 6 exemption from Specification 9: Registry Operator Code of Conduct.
- “Open gTLD” refers to a gTLD that has not been granted an exemption from Specification 9: Registry Operator Code of Conduct. Community TLDs and TLDs with self-imposed registrant restrictions would still be regarded as open gTLDs under this definition, unless they have been granted an exemption from the Registry Operator Code of Conduct.
- “Closed Brand gTLD” refers to a closed gTLD where the TLD string is a Trademark held by the registry operator. (e.g. .Microsoft, .Google, .HSBC )
- “Closed Keyword gTLD” refers to a closed gTLD where the TLD string is not a recognized Trademark held by the registry operator. (e.g. .search, .book, .music )