I don't think you're wrong describing it as a shakedown. It is a shakedown. It's the specifics of the shakedown that interest me. The DPML is a weird beast in

I don't think you're wrong describing it as a shakedown. It is a shakedown. It's the specifics of the shakedown that interest me. The DPML is a weird beast in that each registry chooses how they will run their program individually. For example, if you pay for DPML service for a TMCH listed mark from the Donuts registry your mark cannot be registered on any of Donut's gTLDs for the duration of your DPML block. You're also correct in that a DPML block is not the same as a domain registration. A DPML block simply prevents others from registering a domain which contains your TMCH registered mark. If your trademark is not in the TMCH then you gain no special rights to either defensively register, or DPML block others from registering it, during the sunrise period. I doubt Vox Populi can limit .sucks to a specific class of registrants. This does happen, but I haven't heard of it happening with .sucks. Most recently ICANN ruled that .doctors must limit registrants to registered physicians. This pissed off a lot of people. Without limiting registrants by class .sucks registry operator Vox Populi cannot charge one price to trademark holders, and another price to non-trademark holders. All they can do is offer sunrise period special rights to TMCH registrants. I can think of no other TLD in the history of the Internet that has enforced price discrimination. TLDs can have class restrictions placed on registrants(.doctor, .edu, .gov), but they cannot price discriminate AFAIK. Vox Populi was able to introduce price discrimination by essentially abusing the sunrise period and the DPML procedure. Have a listen to this. http://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-226-pilots-and-mental-illness-dot-sucks-and-pregnant-in-limbo-1.3009231/are-dot-sucks-domain-names-a-cash-grab-1.3009263 http://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-226-pilots-and-mental-i...