New gTLD program posts 50 new Initial Evaluation results: 56 applications get a pass (total is 300)

The next set of Initial Evaluation Results was released by ICANN. The total number of passing applications is now 300. ICANN released Initial Evaluation (IE) results for the next set of applications with priority numbers 300-350. There are 56 applications in this set that received a passing score (the number is larger than 50 because a few applications got a pass this week from previous sets). This takes the total number of IDN applications receiving a passing score to 300 out of 350. (there are a few withdrawn applications in these 350 applications) ICANN will continue to post IE results weekly, ramping up to 100 results per week by June.

For some applications Initial Evaluation results were not yet available for one or more possible reasons such as: pending change requests, clarifying questions, or follow-up with applicants regarding missing information. The results for these applications will be published as soon as the relevant processes are completed.

To view Initial Evaluation results for applications with priority numbers 1 through 350, go to the Current Application Status page of the new gTLD microsite. Then click on the Quick Search “IE Result – Pass”. Clicking on the result will take you to the Initial Evaluation report for that application.

There are three possible outcomes of Initial Evaluation: Pass, Eligible for Extended Evaluation, or Ineligible for Further Review.

• Pass – The evaluation panels determined that the application is consistent with the requirements in the Applicant Guidebook and can advance to the next phase of the Program.
• Eligible for Extended Evaluation – The Financial, Technical/Operational, Registry Services, or Geographic Names evaluation panels determined that the application did not provide sufficient information to award a passing score. The application is eligible for extended evaluation.
• Ineligible for Further Review – The DNS Stability, String Similarity, Background Screening, and/or Geographic Names evaluation panels determined that the application did not meet the relevant criteria in the Applicant Guidebook, and the application is ineligible for further review.

As communicated previously, ICANN is releasing Initial Evaluation results in priority order, in increments of 30 per week, with plans to increase to 100 per week. ICANN anticipates having Initial Evaluation results for all applications published by the end of August 2013.