History

See archived .indy Charter: doIndyTLDArchived

Charter

This charter version 7th February 2009.

Proposal

.indy is designed to be a TLD where independent media of all types can have a name that shows their unique ways of bringing information and entertainment to all of us.

TLD specifics

The TLD follows the universally accepted rules for alphanumeric domain names, i.e. one can use letters (abc), numbers (123) and dashes/hyphens (--) in any combination
or sequence, up to a maximum length oif 64 characters. Spaces are disallowed though and the domain can't begin or end with a dash. .Single character domain names, i.e.
as in http://w.indy, are also available.

Certain TLD configurations may, at the Registry's discretion, be held on 'Registry Reserve' in order to preempt disputes, avoid controversy and misunderstandings, and where appropriate generate funds for the registry itself.

Registrant Criteria and Responsibilites

Since, for one reason or another, indy media can be commercially-based, registrations will be available to all entities (person, partnership, corporation, non-profit, etc). It is recommended, though not mandatory, that an entity that registers a .indy domain name provide appropriate links to other .indy sites from their own. Registrants will be limited to a reasonable number of domains. Possible exceptions will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Registrants of .indy domains must provide full, and valid contact details to the Registry, in order to complete their registration. The information provided is for internal use by the Registry only, and will not be made publicly viewable, nor divulged to any third party. The only exception to this policy would be a formal demand for such information by legal or other suitably authorised entities, in order to abide by, and comply with, current legislation.

NB It is the Registrant's responsibility to maintain the information supplied to the Registry as part of the registration process, keeping it current. The Registry reserves the right to continually monitor that due care has been taken in this respect. Failure by a registrant to keep their contact information current, may result in the suspension and/or cancellation of their domain name, and the inaccurate data permanently deleted from the Registry database. The original application process would then need to be repeated in it's entirety.

Fees and Charges

While not mandatory ( at the Registry's discretion ) 'fees'/ 'donations' may be an integral part of the registration process itself, and also for any hosting services supplied as part of, or as a consequence of, that process. Especially true in respect of domain registrations by commercial entities, All donations will be used to support the Registry, its administration, and it's underpinning systems.. Any and all funds received in such manner will be publicly acknowledged, where appropriate to do so, and the process handled in much the same way as that for other Open Source projects; i.e. open and transparent.

General Policiy

By default and intention, the .indy TLD strongly enforces a zero tolerance policy against UCE from registered domains. Domain owners who abuse their .indy registration in this manner, or knowingly assist third parties to do so, run the risk of their registration being immediately terminated.

The .indy registry is run by its members, who are domain holders. However, .indy domain holders are not automatically OpenNIC members, and are thus not bound by it's published policies and decisions. Should a .indy domain holder wish to become an OpenNIC member, they may do so, but membership is not mandatory.

By its very nature, independent media is simply that, independent, so domain registrations will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Since commercial interests are likely to be involved, trademarks will be honored. That stated, disputes will only be considered under the .indy dispute resolution procedure, where it can be shown that any apparent misuse or abuse is intentional, detrimental, or possibly damaging.

Proven violation of .indy policies will result in the immediate suspension of the domain name. However, no domain name will be suspended, barring exceptional circumstances, on the basis of a complaint or dispute alone.

Dispute Resolution Policy

As a general rule, a domain may only be disputed by the holder of a trademark registered before the domain in question was registered. Disputes must be initially be brought to the attention of the .indy Hostmaster. The registrant will be contacted by the .indy Hostmaster, and their response solicited. In the event that the registrant or an authorised representative of the Registrant does not reply within 14 days, this will indicate the intention of the domain Registrant not to contest dispute and that domain registration in question should automatically be transferred, suspended or released. If the dispute is not clear-cut, the matter will also be referred to a vote of the .indy membership.

Since legal issues are involved, the .indy TLD will abide by the decisions of a Court of competent jurisdiction. Obtaining proof of a trademark claim or seeking such a Court decision will be sole responsibility of the entity raising the dispute.

Contacts

Notes

Trademarks will be honored is to ensure the commercial viability of the .indy TLD. The Dispute Resolution Procedure will provide democratic balance between the needs of a commercial entity and the rights of a domain holder.

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