.express Domain Registration - .express Domains - Register Express, Inc. Domain Name .express

THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE NEW RESTRICTED .EXPRESS gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH THE ELIMINATION OF USER CONFUSION AND ASSURANCE OF BRAND AUTHENTICITY.

The new .express gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which Express LLC (Express) can create and control domain spaces that promote its brand identity and authenticity. The .express gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for Express. In this regard, the .express gTLD will be used by Express to provide information, products and services to consumers in a way that promotes brand trust, convenience and utility. Second and third level domain names can then be utilised for improved customer engagement, information and marketing purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.

Express is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Express Inc and conducts the operation of Express Inc. Express Inc, with headquarters in Columbus, Ohio and New York City, is a specialty apparel and accessory retailer offering both womenʹs and menʹs merchandise, operating over 550 stores in 47 states throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Express Inc was first established and operated as "Limited Brands" in 1980 with 8 stores. Today, Express Inc is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and together with its subsidiary entities employs over 20,000 associates across various divisions including the corporate office, design studios and stores. Recently Express Inc also opened 7 stores in the Middle East through a development agreement with a leading Middle Eastern retailer and is further exploring opportunities across the globe. Express Inc's e-commerce business had a record-breaking year in 2010, where e-commerce sales rose to 60% and Express Inc was named one of the "Top 15 Mobile Commerce Destinations of 2010" by Mobile Commerce Daily. Express also ships orders from its online customers to 60 international destinations worldwide. In this regard, strengthening consumer trust and continuous innovation are paramount considerations for Express.

Since the inception of the current domain name system, business activities conducted on the internet are constantly changing and evolving with increased complexity. The volume of commercial transactions over the internet is constantly growing and bringing benefits of simplicity and lowered transaction costs to businesses and consumers. However, at the same time, criminal activities over the internet including data breach, hacking and phishing activities have also become more sophisticated resulting in loss of consumer confidence beyond mere monetary harm. The .express gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with Express online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.

Express' mission and purpose of the proposed new gTLD share ICANN's initiatives to promote public interest. Express is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN's Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:

- consumer trust: the .express gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to Express, at this stage, which will provide added consumer trust that .express domain names are trustworthy. As .express domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under the control of Express, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .express domain space;

- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice at the level of registration of domain names among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANN's initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .express gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and

- consumer choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting Express' marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting with Express online. As Express has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under .express domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.

Given the restricted nature of the .express gTLD, the projected number of registration is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of domain names (between 10 and 100) will be registered in the first few years. However the number of registrations is likely to increase as Express develops and implements new services and marketing campaigns.

Express intends to create relevant domain names for use including product, services or geographic names in the second or third level domain names. In accordance with registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22, Express will use geographic names to localise its websites in the countries in which it currently operates. The use of geographic names is intended to:
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory; and
- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory.

At this stage, Express does not intend to utilise Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level. However, as the use of the .express gTLD evolves, Express may at a later stage utilise IDNs within the .express domain space to allow internet users to engage with .express in their native language, creating a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.

As the new. Express gTLD expands and evolves, Express may also consider offering the use of second level domain names to its affiliate entities at a later stage. Express will continue to comply with all operational, technical and policy requirements, as well as maintaining consumer trust and stability on the internet. Express will keep ICANN reasonably informed of any material developments related to .express gTLD including compliance with the continued operations instrument obligation as set out in specification 8 of the Registry Agreement.

Express is a well-recognised global brand with its trademarks registered in 124 countries and territories for the categories including: classes 3 (bleaching preparations), 9 (cash registers, computers), 18 (leather), 21 (articles for cleaning), 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear), 26 (lace and embroidery), 35 (advertising, business management) and 39 (transport, packaging and storage of goods).

Express has 9 domain names being an exact match to the applied for .express gTLD. Further, Express has over 150 existing domain names, 99 gTLDs and 55 country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) in the following spaces:
- gTLDs: expressclothes.com, expressfashion.com, expressjeans.com, express-style.com
- ccTLDs: expressfashion.co.uk, expressfashion.jp, expressfashion.us, expressfashion.fr, expressfashion.hk

Recently, Express was successful in securing sunrise application for the following domain spaces based on existing trademark registration: .cm, .co, .info, .xxx.

Express believes that the .express gTLD is unlikely to cause confusion with either a generic term or any existing TLDs. Express trademarks are a leading global brand with significant reputation in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and a strong reputation in countries all around the world. Express has used the term "express" in conjunction with its apparel and accessories business for over 30 years. As such, the Express brand is a well-known clothing and accessory retailer conducting online business worldwide.