Let the games begin. Time to take a fresh look at GNSO policy as it is becoming more and more clear that the technical hurdles to IDN TLDs will be surmounted in the next 18 months.
At this stage, it is GNSO policy that will decide the fate of existing TLDs in relation to new IDN TLDs. i.e. new space, DNAME, or combination.
"Status Briefing on the IDN Program Plan"
http://www.icann.org/topics/idn/sj-i...ic-18jun07.htm
"It is anticipated that the Council will adopt most aspects of the IDN working group report into its policy recommendations for the deployment of new gTLDs, and essentially conclude its IDN policy work at the same time."
"GNSO new TLDs Committee Introduction of New Generic Top-Level Domains Part A: Final Report (PDF)"
http://gnso.icann.org/drafts/pdp-dec05-fr-a-18jun07.pdf
"The reasons for introducing new top-level domains include that there is demand from
potential applicants for new top-level domains in both ASCII and IDN formats. In addition the introduction of new top-level domain application process has the potential to promote competition in the provision of registry services, to add to consumer choice, market differentiation and geographical and service-provider diversity."
"Strings must not be confusingly similar to an existing top-level domain."
"Strings must not infringe the existing legal rights of others that are recognized or enforceable under generally accepted and internationally recognized principles of law."
"There is clearly tension between those on the Committee who are concerned about the protection of existing TLD strings and those concerned with the protection of trademark and other rights as compared to those who wish, as far as possible, to preserved freedom of expression and creativity."
GNSO IDN Working Group Outcomes Report
https%3A%2F%2Fst.icann.org%2Fpage%2Falac%2Flisbon_documents%2Fattachments%2F20070322133647-0-22034%2FGNSO%2520IDN%2520WG%2520Final%2520Outcomes%2520Report%2520-%2520EN.pdf