.cpa Pre-Register Domain - .cpa Domain Information

The purpose of the .CPA top-level domain is to offer duly licensed and qualified Certified Public Accountants an opportunity to present themselves on the Internet in a uniquely distinctive and memorable manner. At present, no .CPA TLD exists. Certified Public Accountants wanting to use a domain name to indicate their unique professional status as a licensed CPA are unable to do that currently with any legacy top-level domain. Because registration and renewal in the .CPA TLD will require applicants and registrants to prove they are credentialed with the appropriate licensing authority, the .CPA TLD will serve as a clear means of identifying and authenticating registrants as duly licensed and fully qualified CPAs in their particular jurisdiction. Internet users, particularly potential clients or others dealing with a .CPA registrant will do so with confidence they are dealing with an appropriately licensed and qualified CPA.

There are nearly 370,000 CPAs from 128 countries who have joined the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA), which is the national organization for CPA's in the U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15.7% growth for CPA's between 2010 and 2020.

Certified Public Accountancy is a well-controlled and highly specialized profession. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the statutory title of qualified accountants in the United States who have passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination and have met additional state education and experience requirements for certification as a CPA. Many other countries have similar requirements for using the title of CPA to designate a specialized public accountant. "CPA" represents a higher standard of expertise and experience in the accounting profession, as there are "lower" tiers of accountant qualification (below that of CPA) such as simply "Public Accountant" or "PA". The use of the term "CPA" signifies that a particular accountant has been qualified by the appropriate local state authority, which is an important distinction. In most U.S. states, only CPAs who are licensed are able to provide to the public attestation (including auditing) opinions on financial statements (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Public_Accountant, accessed 4-11-12)

We aim to offer all qualified and licensed CPAs the opportunity to advertise their accounting services and related products and information on the Internet in association with a TLD acting as a badge or symbol identifying their special status as a licensed CPA.

Use of a .CPA domain name will provide a clear identification means when communicating with potential clients or others, signaling that the user is duly licensed in their country, state or other relevant jurisdiction.

In addition, this top-level domain provides CPAs with more choice in the domain name marketplace at competitive prices.

The goal of the .CPA top-level domain is to establish itself as the recognized, authoritative and preferred choice for a licensed and thus more exclusive class of accountant registrants who want to market and promote themselves and their websites to the Internet-using public for business, political, personal, legal or any other purpose, and, as the recognized and safe top-level domain name for consumers to know which people are, in fact, licensed CPAs.

18 (b)(i) Goal: Specialty, service level or reputation

The specialty of the .CPA TLD will be that it will be open only to those CPAs who, at the time of registration and renewal, can prove that they are a licensed CPA in their designated country, state or other relevant jurisdiction. No .CPA domain names will resolve in the DNS until they have been validated against the registrant eligibility and name eligibility rules.

The service level of the .CPA TLD will include publishing on its website all relevant policies and procedures, along with valid details of a primary contact (name, email and phone) for a person who can assist with any enquiries. In particular, details will be published of ways of escalating a response in an emergency, including providing an acknowledgement. In any assignment of the registry, we will include a warranty by an assignee that the .CPA will operate under the same or similar conditions, so that the level of service is maintained.

The reputation which the .CPA TLD will develop will be that every registration in the TLD will be by an authenticated and duly licensed CPA, creating a unique global database of licensed CPAs. The reputation will be that .CPA registrants will have demonstrated a higher level of skill and expertise and be more identifiable, more traceable and more accountable than those accounting service providers using non-authenticated TLDs. This will provide a higher level of trust and safety for Internet users of this TLD. Further, the .CPA registry will have a reputation for compliance with all relevant Internet technical standards, and with all ICANN-mandated policies.

18(b)(ii) Competition, differentiation, or innovation

The market for domain name registrations has grown at a tremendous pace. From 2000 to 2010 total domain name registrations increased from 40 million to 200 million. 2011 experienced approximately 9% growth, significantly higher than the previous year's 6% growth, ending third quarter 2011 with approximately 220 million domain names registered. Approximately 60% of these are in gTLDs, the remaining 40% in ccTLDs. More specifically, gTLD growth was approximately 8% in 2011, while ccTLD growth exceeded 11%.

Existing TLDs, such as .COM and .NET, do not provide adequate solutions for many registrants. Domain names that relate to the registrants' profession, business, interests, or associations are often already registered, priced exorbitantly high, or are in TLDs that are unsuitable. Other options, such as ccTLDs, do not provide adequate alternatives as a registrant may not have an appropriate geographic relationship, and they may not meet the applicable criteria for gTLDs such as .MUSEUM or .AERO. Therefore, the best opportunity to pursue a relevant and useful domain name registration may be through a registration in a new gTLD that is distinctive of their business.

At present, there is no specific .CPA domain name, or useful top-level alternative domain name, that exists for registrants that wish to identify themselves as licensed CPAs for those people, organizations or businesses that are seeking credentialed CPAs in order to communicate or do business with them. Those desirous of a domain name that indicates an association with the accounting profession could seek a second level domain name such as "CPA.COM," "CPA.US" or "CPA.NET," but such domains (or similar names) are not readily available under the limited number of existing gTLDs, and--more importantly--only provide a secondary (at best) or weak (at worst) relationship between the domain name and the business world, which we believe is the primary goal of the registrant of such names.

Expanding the name space by the addition of this new gTLD will be an innovation that meets the needs of licensed CPAs seeking a distinctive, authoritatively descriptive Internet presence. It will also aid those seeking licensed CPAs to find and rely on them, in a way that builds consumer confidence and trust.

We believe that the .CPA top-level domain will add significantly to competition with and differentiation from legacy TLDs in the top-level domain space. CPAs are presently extremely limited in their choice of domain names that allow them to efficiently and effectively associate themselves with the accounting profession. The availability of useful, effective, straight-forward domain names in existing top-level domains, such as .COM, .NET and .ORG, is now very low because of depletion. Such names may be for sale at prices that are out of reach for most. .CPA will allow registrants to obtain useful, effective, straight-forward domain names rather than be forced to purchase, for example, their fifth, sixth or even later choice .COM or .NET name--which may well barely relate to the registrant's purpose--or use of a domain name that may be confusingly similar with numerous other .COM or .NET domain names.

.CPA will also create competition among registrants who want the same domain name in .CPA. Many CPAs have the same or very similar names - there is likely to be demand for a domain name that clearly, effectively and efficiently associates them with the accounting profession for their domain name purposes as well as for those registrants who want to reach Internet users who identify with it.

.CPA will also increase pricing competition in the top-level domain name space by assuring that .CPA domain names are priced at levels that are appropriate to the vast majority of potential registrants to whom .CPA is targeted.

.CPA will promote competition among the Registrars, as they structure offerings to the many potential registrants in this gTLD.

Internet consumers benefit from the availability and use of .CPA names, that make it easier for them to know that the owner of the second-level domain name is a duly licensed CPA in a given jurisdiction.

.CPA will significantly increase differentiation in the top-level domain space. Existing leading generic top-level domain names, such as .COM, .NET and .ORG no longer require and no longer represent any real differentiation in association, purpose or content. Newer top-level domains, such as .XXX, .AERO and .MUSEUM, do represent differentiation, but are either inappropriate or unavailable to most prospective registrants at whom .CPA is targeted. .CPA will further increase differentiation by allowing registrants to be associated with each other, and consumers to know that the registrant is a certified CPA.

18(b)(iii) User Experience

.CPA will provide a top-level domain name that allows Internet users to easily recognize that the registrant is a duly licensed CPA in a given jurisdiction which will help to diminish consumer confusion and deceptive trade practices, thereby building trust in the TLD specifically and in Internet commerce generally.

Applicants and registrants will have a user experience of the .CPA Registry that is characterized by:
(i) Clearly delineated rules, that are
(ii) Published well in advance; with
(iii) Adequate safeguards for the rights of applicants and registrants; including
(iv) Expeditious and cost effective challenge procedures in the event of disputes.


18(b)(iv) Intended Registration Policies

Because of its authoritative designation of special training and certification at a high standard, the abbreviated word "CPA" has significant consumer trust implications. We are grateful to adopt the applicable recommendations of the Security Standards Working Group,("SSWG") which developed a set of registry security standards, in conjunction with the development of ICANN's Applicant Guidebook. Although developed for finance-related gTLD strings, many of the safeguards proposed in that context are adopted and will be operated by the .CPA Registry. More particularly, the .CPA registry will adopt and implement the following Standards set out in Appendix B to the letter sent by BITS to ICANN referenced in Question 30 in the Guidebook, namely Standards 1,2,3,4,5,8,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,24,and 27.

As a result of the application of these standards, there will be pre-verification of all CPA registrants, who will be required to demonstrate that they hold a valid certification as a qualified public accountant in their designated country, state or other jurisdiction. Electronic interfaces with the relevant accounting profession associations or other trusted repositories to speed the registration process will be developed. Proxy registrations will not be permitted.

We have crafted a draft framework for registration of .CPA domains that supports the goals and benefits set forth above. Our draft registration framework is based on advice from ICANN, WIPO, applicable laws, and a variety of other expert sources. Specifically, the .CPA draft framework includes these interrelated sets of agreements setting forth our policies and regulations, all of which registrants must agree to be bound by:

- The Registrant Agreement, which registrars contracted with the .CPA Registry must present to registrants. This is a collateral agreement to the Registry-Registrar Agreement (detailed below), and will bind registrants to .CPA's Acceptable Use Policy (as detailed below), .CPA's Privacy & Whois Policy (detailed below), ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms (including the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy ("UDRP"), and the Complaint Resolution Service. It sets out the names that may be registered, and defines the eligibility conditions for their registration;

- The Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP"), which details the proper use of domain names that end in .CPA, which is incorporated by reference in the Registrant Agreement that registrants must agree to. It explicitly defines for Registrars and registrants what constitutes abusive conduct including, but not limited to, malicious, negligent, and reckless behavior. The defined permissible frequency and the course of action in cases of repeated violations are provided;

- The Privacy and Whois Policy, which describes how a registrant's personal data is to be used, which is also incorporated by reference in the Registrant Agreement;

- The Registry-Registrar Agreement, which is the contract between .CPA and its ICANN-accredited registrars, which sets forth, inter alia, the duties and obligations of the registrar with respect to .CPA registrants and the .CPA registry. This requires the registrars to publish registration requirements on their websites, along with valid details of a primary contact (name, email and phone) for a person who can assist with any enquiries. In particular, details will be published of ways of escalating a response in an emergency, including providing an acknowledgement. The Agreement also provides that Registrar access to all Registry systems must be mutually authenticated via transport layer security and secured with multi-factor authentication, NIST Level 3 or better. Under this Agreement, Registry and registrars must mutually notify each other of any investigation by ICANN or Law Enforcement agencies into aspects of their compliance- registrars with significant compliance infractions will lose their accreditation. The circumstance where no notice of such an investigation will be given is also included; and

- The Naming Policy, which sets out .CPA's policies governing prohibited, blocked or reserved domain names, defines the names eligible for registration, and defines the conditions for amending those policies and definitions.

These agreements and policies are designed to ensure transparent and non-discriminatory policies for the registration of .CPA names; fair and competitive pricing; protection of personal data and privacy; adherence by registrars and registrants to the AUP; protection of trademarks, the names of natural and legal persons and other property rights; prevention of the registration of illegal terms; and the prevention of violations of the law. Moreover, our policies promote competition among registrars, combat abuse of the DNS, address cybercrime, protect intellectual property rights, and align the .CPA top-level domain with applicable regulatory and legislative environments and Internet registry best practices.

These policies will effectively support the key mission, purposes and goals of the .CPA top-level domain, while at the same time protecting third-party rights and preventing abuse.

18(b)(v) Protecting the privacy or confidential information of registrants or users

We will comply with all applicable ICANN rules on protecting registrant privacy and confidential information, including Whois policies, and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. Registrant privacy and use of confidential information are set forth in our Privacy & Whois Policy. Information concerning updates and changes to the Privacy & Whois Policy will be promptly and prominently displayed on the .CPA web site.

.CPA's back-end registry services provider will also be required to employ industry-standard procedures to prevent the unauthorized or illegal access of registrant privacy or confidential information.

With respect to users, .CPA's Registration Agreement will require that all registrants comply with any and all applicable laws, rules or regulations concerning user privacy and confidential information for applicable jurisdictions; failure to do so may result in suspension or loss of their .CPA name and may, in addition, result in legal actions by appropriate authorities.

18(b)(vi) Outreach and Communication
Outreach and communication will be important to achieving our projected benefits of increased competition and differentiation in domain names, and as an instantly and easily recognized identifier of status as a duly licensed CPA in a particular jurisdiction. Through outreach and communication, we will be able to educate the Internet community and general public that .CPA is a restricted TLD where registrants are authenticated and are therefore qualified CPAs who have demonstrated they hold a valid license as a Certified Public Accountant from the relevant state authority.
.CPA will maintain an active website, providing comprehensive information about
the company, its policies and personnel, .CPA registry policies and practices,
and registrar information, with an FAQ for intending applicants, registrants,
law-enforcement offices, governments and others seeking information about .CPA.

In relation to each phase of registration discussed above, .CPA will provide updated and timely releases on the website, and occasionally if the situation requires it, through additional media.

As a result, intending applicants, registrants, users and others will be able to appreciate the conditions under which .CPA registrations are to be offered and used, and how the various possible disputes are to be handled.

These mechanisms will enhance the user experience, and assist compliance with
.CPA policies.

We believe this will be of substantial benefit to the Internet user community in generally--and licensed CPAs specifically--as it will allow them to more easily and more readily understand the purpose or motives of the registrant's website or email, allowing for better, more efficient and more effective use of their time online.

For the reasons set forth above, a .CPA domain will be in the public interest; it will serve as a catalyst to promoting higher quality accounting services by licensed CPAs; provide a truly unique and easily accessible global database of licensed CPAs across numerous jurisdictions; and it will benefit the accounting profession.

We plan to minimize social costs primarily through clearly written, widely disseminated, and easy-to-understand policies. There is a full description of most of those policies in our answer 18(b)(iv) above.

We will implement the SSWG Standards as noted above. We are dedicated to protection of third-party rights and prevention of abusive uses of the .CPA domain name. We intend to achieve this goal by crafting our Naming Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and other policies to be readily understandable and easily accessible, and by making sure that our mechanisms for enforcing rights and preventing abuse (such as our Complaint Resolution Service) operate effectively, efficiently, and fairly. In addition, we will ensure that they work in with other ICANN-mandated rights protection mechanisms such as the UDRP.

Our Acceptable Use Policy clearly delineates unacceptable behavior and prohibited content by registrants using domain names in the .CPA TLD, balancing the right of free speech with Intellectual Property rights, privacy and other rights. We will actively promote and enforce our Acceptable Use and Abuse Prevention policies and procedures, which we believe will effectively combat improper or unlawful unprotected speech and online conduct.


18(c)(i) Multiple applications for the same domain name

Our rules concerning applications for the same domain name establish clearly delineated rules, and will be published well in advance. They provide adequate safeguards for the rights of all participants as well as expeditious and cost-effective challenge procedures in the event of disputes.

During the Sunrise period and Landrush periods, multiple applications for the same name will be resolved by auction. Premium names will also be put up for auction. UDRP or URS will be used if there are disputes as to rights to a name.

After Sunrise and Landrush, domain names will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. All domains are subject to UDRP and URS challenges.

At all times, .CPA's Complaint Resolution Service will be available to registrants and the public in the case of alleged prohibited use or content.


18(c)(ii) Cost benefits and discounts.

.CPA does not envision special discounts for different classes of registrants, but may consider such offers in the future. We may offer introductory discounts for first-time registrants in .CPA. Bulk registration discounts are not being considered at this time.


18(c)(iii) Notice of Price escalation

.CPA plans to make contractual commitments to registrants regarding the magnitude of price increases. .CPA will contract with its registrars that any percentage increase in renewal and first registration fees will be applied uniformly across all registrations, and that notice of any price increases will be provided on the registrar's website and by the registrar to registrants via email six months or more in advance. The provisions of the Clause 2.10 of the ICANN contract will be observed.

--PROPOSED MEASURES FOR PROTECTION OF GEOGRAPHIC NAMES AT THE SECOND AND OTHER LEVELS IN THE APPLIED-FOR GTLD--

We have accepted the advice of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) that we should adopt appropriate procedures to block names with national or geographic significance at the second and other levels, and will do so in the manner described below:

The country and territory names contained in the following internationally recognized lists will be initially reserved at the second level, as follows:

The short form (in English) of all country and territory names contained on the ISO 3166-1 list, as updated from time to time, including the European Union; on the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names, Technical Reference Manual for the Standardization of Geographical Names, Part III Names of Countries of the World; and on the list of United Nations member states in the six official United Nations languages prepared by the Working Group on Country Names of the United Nations Conference on the Standardization of Geographical Names.

Procedurally, the geographical names contained in these lists, as described in Specification 5 of the New gTLD Agreement, will be added to the registry software system "prohibited word" function. This function, part of Espresso, our registry platform, allows strings to be blocked from registration. Upon an attempt via the EPP or web interface, the registration will not be allowed. Any attempt to register a domain containing those geographical names will be automatically denied, as they were similarly blocked in the .INFO TLD. If a Government or public authority decides to register a geographic name which has been blocked by the process describe above, the .INFO procedure for notice, authentication, and registration will be substantially adhered to, as follows:

1. The Government or public authority concerned informs the GAC Secretariat of their request to register the name, and the designated beneficiary.
2. The GAC Secretariat authenticates the request and transfers it to the ICANN staff and to the registry operator.
3. The registry operator verifies the availability of the name and issues an authorization number that is transmitted directly to the designated beneficiary in the country concerned.
4. The designated beneficiary (the Registrant) registers the name, paying the normal fee, with an ICANN-accredited registrar contracted with the registry operator using the authorization number as their authority.

The registry operator may at some point seek agreement with the applicable governments to release these reservations, subject to review by ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee and approval by ICANN.

For protection of geographic names at other levels, we have a complaint mechanism in place and any geographic entity may register a complaint if they feel their national rights have been violated.

We believe that the measures outlined above incorporate GAC's advice and serve as a pledge to block, at no cost to governments, geographically significant names and allow a means of challenging any abuse of the use of a geographically significant name.