gTLD	Full Legal Name	E-mail suffix	Detail
.微博	Tencent Holdings Limited	tencent.com	View

THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE NEW RESTRICTED .微博 (IDN .WEIBO) gTLD IS TO FACILITATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INTERNET USERS AND TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY INTERNET COMMUNITIES THROUGH GREATER INNOVATION CAPABILITIES, THE PROVISION OF BETTER SERVICES AND GREATER CONVENIENCE FOR END USERS.

The .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD will create a new generation gTLD serving the interests of end users by enabling internet users to better communicate with each other and the world, utilising its micro-blogging functionality. Domain names will be available to individuals, organisations in the private sector as well as public sector enterprises. Through the use of personalised domain names, internet users will be able to easily connect with individuals, organisations and businesses to access relevant information. As such, Tencent Holdings Limited (Tencent) intends to utilise the new gTLD to allow people to communicate easier through its micro-blogging platform, enable business enterprises and celebrities to build communication channels with customers and fans. The registration policy will ensure that domains of public influence or pertaining to serious matters are protected and are not transferred. The creation of the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD will allow for a more convenient and unified name structure, enabling the provision of better services to end users.

Tencent was established in November 1998 and has grown into one of China’s largest and most used internet service portals. Tencent provides value-added internet, mobile and telecommunication services and online advertising. Its leading internet platforms have brought together China’s largest internet community, for example it has 711.7 million users with accounts for Tencent’s instant messenger program, QQ. Such internet platforms are designed to meet the various needs of internet users including communication, information, entertainment, and e-commerce. Tencent was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2004 and reached a market value of over HKD$100 billion in 2007.

Tencent Weibo is a micro-blogging site with about 310 million users, about 50 million of which are active daily users. Tencent Weibo allows anyone to freely share immediate news, through text and pictures with other internet users, including friends and family. Tencent Weibo also allows its users to find information and updates from influential public figures such as actors, sports people or public officials. Tencent has offered internet services since 1998 and weibo services since 2010, and as such has strong internet operations experience and a large user base which will benefit from the new .weibo gTLD. Building consumer trust and continuous innovation are paramount considerations for Tencent. The new .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD will promote and strengthen the Tencent Weibo services. These objectives will be further complemented by Tencent’s application for .weibo. Tencent is one of the pioneers of internet services, and in particular has a strong reputation for the provision of its Weibo services to its Chinese speaking users, in China, greater Asia and around the world. It is also engaging the English speaking world, as is reflected in its registration of .weibo and .微博 (IDN .weibo).

Tencent intends to use the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD to allow for more convenient and innovative communication between users of Tencent’s Weibo micro-blogging site. In order to avoid user confusion, Tencent intends to reserve names that are of public influence or considered serious in nature, such as the names of celebrities, politicians, geographic names, government structures and well-known companies (Public interest domain names). If such people or organisations wish to use the domain name, an appropriate verification process, in accordance with the registration policy, ensuring necessary identification will be undertaken. The verification process will ensure accuracy in the assignment of the .微博 (IDN .weibo) domain name. The verified names will be clearly labelled as such. This will ensure the user of the domain name accurately corresponds to the actual physical individual or entity the name represents. Use of such domains will be continually reviewed to ensure that they reflect the public interest considerations. All use of domain name in the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD will require Tencent’s authorization and approval through a licensing mechanism.

Tencent’s mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. Tencent is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:

- consumer trust: the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with registration of public interest names undergoing a thorough verification process to ensure the authenticity of the name. As .微博 (IDN .weibo) domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under Tencent’s control, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .微博 (IDN .weibo) domain space;

- competition: the proposed new gTLD is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest and competition through its operation focussed on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and

- consumer choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting Tencent’s marketing efforts through its ability to create new second level domain names on demand. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting online. As Tencent has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under the.微博 (IDN .weibo) domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.


Given the existing customer base of Tencent’s Weibo services, the projected number of registrations under the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD is likely to be up to 50,000 in the first year. It is anticipated that this may rise to 250,000 by the third year. The projected registration numbers are supported by the financial, technical and operational capacity of Tencent to act as a registry operator for this gTLD. In this endeavour, Tencent will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and the stability of the internet. Tencent will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.

The types of domain names currently foreseen would include product, services or geographic names, as well as names for individuals and businesses. In accordance with the registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, Tencent will use geographic names to localise its websites within China. The use of geographic names is intended to:

- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and

- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory.


Tencent will also utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level, initially limited to Chinese. The use of IDNs will allow internet users to engage with .微博 (IDN .weibo) in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity. As the use of the .微博 (IDN .weibo) gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that the use of IDNs, including additional languages, will increase within the .微博 (IDN .weibo) domain space.

gTLD	Full Legal Name	E-mail suffix	Detail
.softbank	SOFTBANK CORP.	softbank.co.jp	View

The mission and purpose of the new restricted .softbank gTLD is to achieve strengthened integrity and trust from users and provide them with appropriate benefits and values by operating online businesses with more relevant, secure and user oriented features.

The new .softbank gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which SOFTBANK CORP. (Softbank) can create and control domain names under the .softbank domain space that promote Softbankʹs brand identity and authenticity. In this regard, .softbank will be used by Softbank to provide information, services and resources to consumers in a way that promotes trust, convenience and utility. The new .softbank gTLD is applied to be used as Internet vehicle for Softbank and consolidated subsidiaries which have met necessary criteria set forth by Softbank (licensed companies). Internet vehicle means websites of information disclosure and online businesses operated by the licensed companies, which are to be managed by Softbankʹs websites quality management standard and are designed to improve the integrity of Softbank brand.

Softbank will serve as a registry which creates and manages .softbank domain names soon after the application has approved. .softbank is intended to be used as an official domain of websites for the licensed companies to provide credible information regarding Softbank to all the Internet users who access to these Websites. Second level domains in .softbank will be used for administrative purpose in accordance with Softbankʹs websites quality management standard and strings for domain names are intended to be set as names of the licensed companies, names of goods and services or those strings which explicitly demonstrate the usage.

Softbank group of companies (Softbank Group) which consists of Softbank, its consolidated subsidiaries, and affiliates, headquartered in Japan, is engaged in various internet, information and communication services, including: the provision of mobile networks, broadband infrastructure, fixed-line telecommunications, distribution of internet and telecommunication related products, and the promotion and application of wider internet culture in internet advertising, e-commerce and membership services. Softbank Group consists of 178 subsidiaries and 92 affiliates (both figures are as of March 2011). Softbankʹs mobile and network business is one of the largest communication carriers in Japan and Softbank aims to be the number one provider of mobile internet services throughout Asia.

SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp., one of the consolidated subsidiaries of Softbank offers the mobile network business under ʺSoftbankʺ brand which has 27,830,000 mobile users (as of the end of December 2011). Mobile units which bear ʺSoftbankʺ brand are sold in 2,677 stores (as of the end of December 2011) throughout Japan. SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp. continuously implements an exceptional communication including 86 different kinds of annual TV commercials and tops the list for the fifth year running (unprecedented) for the popularity ratings for TV commercial, and as a result of these business activities, the ʺSoftbankʺ brand has gained a high recognition. This is supported by the subsidiary SOFTBANK HAWKS Corp., which operates a professional baseball team, which also contributes to the recognition of the Softbank brand. As for objective evaluations of these ʺSoftbankʺ brands, they are also confirmed that the ʹSoftBankʹ brand was ranked third in the survey ʺJapanʹs Best Domestic Brands 2011ʺ conducted by Interbrand.

The .softbank gTLD intends to provide the relevant information in a timely and efficient manner to business users, customers, investors and employees and other internet users to access information on Softbank online. The .softbank gTLD will enable Softbank to have greater control over the operation of the registry to improve security, service levels and reputation.

Softbank shares ICANNʹs initiatives to promote public interest. Softbank is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANNʹs Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .softbank gTLD registry will be managed and operated by the dedicated team within Softbank in accordance with a restrictive registration policy prepared by Softbank. Softbank will demonstrate to the internet users that .softbank domain names are trustworthy through its centrally managed registration, modification and deletion of domain names. Therefore, .softbank domain names will avoid the possibility of malicious conduct within the .softbank domain space;

- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice, at the level of domain name registration, among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to enhance consumer trust through its precise and secure operation. Increased trust in .softbank gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and

- consumer choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting Softbankʹs marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand, with well-recognized and memorable .softbank domain names. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting with Softbank in a user-friendly manner. As Softbank has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .softbank domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet and create synergies to in achieving ICANNʹs initiatives

In order to ensure that .softbank domain space represents brand authenticity and consumer trust, it is anticipated that up to 20 domain names will be registered in the first year, which will increase up to 100 domain names by the end of third year.

The licensed companies will participate in the promotion of user recognition and increased use of .softbank domain names through the use of various communication methods. As the use and recognition of the .softbank gTLD expands Softbank may consider providing second or third level domains to companies other than the licensed companies at a later date. Softbank will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments relating to the .softbank gTLD, including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligations as set out in Specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.

Softbank intends to create relevant domain names for use including company names, product names, services or geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policies and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, Softbank will use geographic names to localize its websites in the countries in which it operates. The use of geographic names is intended to:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and
- comply with required law, regulations and business custom in the national territory.

Softbank is a well-recognized global brand with its trademarks registered in 32 countries and territories, throughout Asia, North America, Latin America, Africa, Oceania and Europe. These trademarks, such as classes 9, 38 and 41, are registered under the categories required for its business in telecommunications services and infrastructure. Further, Softbank has an extensive portfolio of existing domain names, including domain names with an exact match or containing the Softbank trademark in the following spaces:
- gTLDs: .biz, .com, .info, .mobi, .net, .org,
- ccTLDs: .bj.jp, .cc, .cn, .co.jp, .jp, .ne.jp, .sg, .tv, .uk

Recently, Softbank was successful in securing sunrise application for the .xxx domain space based on existing trademark registration.