Having just completed a number of responses to objections filed to gTLD applications, I have a number of observations. Many lawyers are dealing with the LRO process. Some of the objections that were filed were legitimate objections based on legitimate trademark issues. Many of the gTLD objectons in the LRO process were actually designed only as leverage against the other applicants. They were attempted figurative or design trademark registrations on what are otherwise dictionary words. Those objections have not been dealt with kindly by the expert panelists at WIPO.
As a gTLD registry lawyer, I would say this. You need to be very careful about what kind of oppositions under the LRO process you file if you are an applicant for a gTLD in the future. Do not try and game the system by leveraging bogus trademark rights against other applicants. Neither ICANN nor WIPO will look on those oppositions kindly. These are expert trademark registration and trademark infringement lawyers who are acting as panelists. They know the difference between a frivilous and legitimate LRO claim.
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