ANA Issues Strong Response to ICANN, Underscoring Widespread Industry Concerns Regarding Top-level Domain Proposed program

NEW YORK( Aug. 10, 2011) — 

"We are not surprised by ICANN's response although disappointed that ICANN chose to defend its process and deny any doubt as to consensus. Rather, ICANN needs to respond to the real concern from the brand owner community. There is no question that this Program will increase brand owners' costs by billions of dollars. We should not be debating if 40 or 45 comment periods were held; instead, ICANN should be justifying its economic analysis regarding the Program against the staggering costs to brands. ANA welcomes further discussions and an opportunity for further economic study to quantify the need for more TLDs and what it will mean for industry and other stakeholders, such as the public interest community who will face the same brand dilution concerns.”

- Bob Liodice, President and CEO, ANA

“Now is not the time for either side to 'dig in its heels' much less defend the process, especially in a depressed economy. ANA has raised real concerns regarding economic losses, brand dilution and resultant privacy / cyber-security harms. In light of our shared goals of a safe and stable global internet, ICANN should return to the negotiating table and work with all concerned parties, including the ANA and its members, to resolve brand owners' legitimate concerns in a manner consistent with ICANN's consensus obligations."
- Doug Wood, ANA’s General Counsel, Reed Smith LLP

About the ANA

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the definitive voice of the marketing industry. Since 1910, we have set and advanced the agenda for marketing transformation, connecting over 1,600 member companies to an influential global network, insights and resources that drive growth. Our members represent 20,000 brands and $400 billion in annual marketing investment. Through industry-leading research, the CMO Growth Council, and our proprietary Growth Agenda and Practices, the ANA empowers marketers to shape the future of marketing and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry.

Press Contacts:

Luna Newton
CooperKatz & Co. for the ANA
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917.595.3061

Shoshana Hochdorf
CooperKatz & Co. for the ANA
[email protected]
917.595.3054