The Com Laude Podcast

Fresh from ICANN84 in Dublin, the next round of new gTLD applications is less than six months away. Discover what's in the newly approved applicant guidebook, when the application window opens, and what prospective applicants need to know now. Plus, we dive into the heated DNS abuse policy debate and explore the latest developments in the Registration Data Request Service. Don't miss these...

If you’re thinking about applying for a new gTLD in the next round, understanding the new Applicant Guidebook (AGB) is absolutely essential. In this episode, we explain why the AGB matters so much and what’s changed since the last round. We walk you through the key rules, timelines, and new features, including how to handle contention sets, how dot brands are treated, and what’s no longer required...

In this episode, we unpack key updates from ICANN 83 including the long-awaited draft Applicant Guidebook and the next round of new gTLD applications. Ashley Roberts breaks down the application fee, implications for dot Brands, and the latest on the registry agreement. Susan Payne discusses the growing momentum around DNS abuse policies, and Sophie Hey explores the state of registration data initi...

In this episode of the Com Laude podcast, Sophie Hey and Susan Payne discuss the key takeaways from the recent ICANN 82 meeting. They cover the progress on the next round of new gTLDs, recent developments in dot brand TLDs, the importance of domain name registration data accuracy, and the ongoing challenges of DNS abuse. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts within the ICANN commun...

In our 15th episode of the Com Laude Podcast, we take a deep dive into blockchain domains — where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they’re heading in 2025 and beyond. What exactly are blockchain domains, and how do they compare to traditional DNS? Key players like ENS, Unstoppable Domains, and Handshake—who’s leading the charge? How ICANN’s next round of new gTLDs could shape the Web3 l...

In part three of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we sit down with Cole Quinn, Principal Technical Programme Manager at Microsoft. Cole shares his experience managing Microsoft's eight dotBrand TLDs, including .MICROSOFT and .XBOX. We explore his role at Microsoft, the reasoning behind their decision to acquire these dotBrands, and the benefits and challenges of opera...

In our 13th episode, we provide you with an overview of the Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: Dvelopments in DNS abuse Current status of the next round of new gTLDs Preparations for ICANN's new CEO Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Election of ICANN's board seat 13

With the next round of TLDs approaching, we have another new gTLD-related episode in store for you, covering ICANN's RSP pre-evaluation program. Our host, Ashley Roberts, chats with a special guest, Kroopa Shah, Senior Director of Registry Support and Management at Identity Digital. They discussed the following topics: What is an RSP and where does it fit in the internet space? What relevance does...

In our 11th episode, we recap the Kigali Policy Forum, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Application Fees for the next round of new gTLDs Registry Voluntary Commitments and Contention Resolution DNS Abuse

In part two of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we met with Nisha Parkash, Head of Domain Management at Sky, to talk about the dot SKY TLD. In this episode, we discussed: The importance of dotBrands in creating secure infrastructure Building support and understanding internally Use cases and future plans for dot SKY Actions applicants need to take in preparation for t...

This time, we bring you a special episode, part of a series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications. In this series, we will explore what has worked well for brands, why they decided to apply, how they chose which TLDs to apply for, and what lessons they have learned that could be used in the next round of applications. In part one, our hosts Ashley Roberts and Stuart Fuller had a chat...

In our eighth episode, we recap ICANN79 in Puerto Rico, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: Policy Implementation - DNS Abuse and handling of domain registration data;  Registration Data Request Service (RDRS); and The timeline for the next round of TLDs.

In our seventh episode, we recap ICANN78 in Hamburg, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: Timeline for the next round of TLDs, RSP evaluation and name collision; Next round of TLDs, SubPro and string similarity; DNS Abuse; and Registration Data Request Service (RDRS)

In our sixth episode, we recap 2023 so far and how the Web 3.0 landscape changed. Join us as we discuss: The FTX collapse. Why the Metaverse failed to deliver on the initial promise? Did the NFT bubble burst and the future of the NFT market? Blockchain Domain use cases and how to protect your Intellectual Property?

Our fifth episode is all about Crypto Wallets. Join us as we navigate the world of digital wallets, providing you with essential knowledge on: What are crypto wallets and why are they so important; Wallet set up; Types of wallets and how to use them; Operational best practices; Wallet consideration and implications for corporations; and Phishing and Other Concerns for Brands In this episode, our h...

Our fourth episode features Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Sandy about: Who are Unstoppable Domains and what are their main goals and mission as leaders in the Web3 industry What is a digital identity and why it is important to have full ownership and control How Unstoppable are ensuring that brands' intellectual property is protected...

Our third episode features Svetlana Ilnitskaya, Director of Global Solution Strategy at Corsearch. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Svetlana about: Use cases of Blockchain domains; Corsearch's NFT marketplace monitoring & enforcement solution; How big is the Web 3 project for Corsearch; and The impact of AI on the future of Web 3. Whether you're experienced in the world of W...

Our second episode features Russ Jacobs, Managing Corporate Counsel at Starbucks. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Russ about: How Starbucks is using blockchain technology; How Starbucks fosters community through the use of NFTs; How they protect against IP infringement, and what changes they would like to see in the future. Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or...

Our first episode features Julius Stobbs, founder of Stobbs IP. In this episode our host, Dietmar Lenden, speaks to Julius about: How Stobbs IP are helping clients navigate the Web 3.0 space Some of the risks and potential rewards of blockchain domains Trademark registration and licensing strategies for brands in Web 3.0 Whether you're experienced in the world of Web 3.0 or just starting out, our...