The WIPO Internet Domain Name Process needed to move forward on an accelerated basis. The process consisted of the following steps, culminating in a final report submitted to ICANN and reported to WIPO's member States:

  1. Publication of WIPO RFC-1 on the draft terms of reference setting out the proposed scope of the project, including the issues to be addressed, the proposed procedures and a suggested timetable for completion of the work.
  2. Meeting of the panel of experts to assist WIPO in settling the terms of reference on the basis of the comments received on WIPO RFC-1 and preparation of WIPO RFC-2 soliciting comments on all issues on which recommendations are to be formulated.
  3. Publication of WIPO RFC-2.
  4. Regional hearings and consultations with the panel of experts on the issues raised in WIPO RFC-2.
  5. Preparation of WIPO RFC-3 in the form of an Interim Report on the basis of all comments received on WIPO RFC-2.
  6. Publication of WIPO RFC-3.
  7. Regional hearings and consultations with the panel of experts WIPO RFC-3.
  8. Preparation and publication of the Final Report on the basis of all comments received on WIPO RFC-3.
Date Event/Activity
July 8, 1998 Publication WIPO RFC-1 (terms of reference)
August 24, 1998 Deadline for comments on WIPO RFC-1
Early September 1998 Meeting of Panel of Experts
September 14, 1998 Publication of WIPO RFC-2 (issues to be addressed)
September - November 1998 Regional Hearings and Consultations
November 6, 1998 Deadline for comments on WIPO RFC-2
December 23, 1998 Publication of WIPO RFC-3 (Interim Report)
January - February 1999 Regional Hearings and Consultations
March 19, 1999 Deadline for comments on WIPO RFC-3
April 30, 1999 Publication of Final Report