John Demco
Plans Announced for Next Generation DNS Software – Internet Systems Corporation has announced plans for BIND 10, the next generation of its open source DNS software. Patron sponsors of the effort are JPRS (.jp) and CIRA. Other sponsors are Afilias, AFNIC, DENIC, IIS.SE, Nominet, NIC.br, SIDN, and .ZA Domain Name Authority. CIRA announced plans to invest $1 million over the next five years.
NTIA Seeks Comments on Upcoming Expiration of ICANN Joint Project Agreement – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an office of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), has published a Notice of Inquiry concerning the September 30, 2009 expiry of the Joint Project Agreement between the DOC and ICANN. Among the issues on which the NTIA is seeking comments are: whether the transition of DNS coordination responsibilities to the private sector is still the most appropriate model, whether sufficient progress has been achieved for the transition to take place by September 30, 2009, and whether there are sufficient safeguards in place to ensure protection of stakeholder interests in the future. The last day for comments is June 8.
Draft Report Published on Trademark Protection Issues and New gTLDs – A draft report has been issued by the Implementation Recommendation Team (IRT), formed by ICANN’s Intellectual Property Constituency to seek solutions to potential issues for trademark holders in the implementation of new gTLDs. Among the report’s recommendations are: a global IP Clearinghouse to hold information on rights of all kinds both registered and unregistered, a Globally Protected Marks List to provide protection to globally well-known and protected marks at the top and second levels, and a Uniform Rapid Suspension System (URS) providing a low-cost and rapid means for taking down infringing domain name registrations.
In a related development the Internet Commerce Association (ICA), a non-profit trade organization representing domain name investors and developers and the direct search industry, has written to the ICANN Ombudsman requesting an investigation of the IRT. ICA writes that the IRT “is not operating in accordance with the fairness and transparency standards articulated in ICANN’s Bylaws”.
Picks To Click
- Globe Media International Corporation has lost a dispute over forsale.ca, and also was found to have engaged in Reverse Domain Name Hijacking.
- Anti-spam legislation has been introduced by the Canadian government.
- The Governmental Advisory Committee has responded to ICANN recommending the protection of geographic terms in new gTLDs.
- Lesley Cowley, Chief Executive of the .uk registry Nominet, looks back on ten years with the organization.
Timeline
- Mon, Apr 13: last day for comments on revised gTLD Applicant Handbook
- Wed, Apr 15: last day for applications to the ICANN Nominating Committee
- Wed, Apr 15: last day for comments on petition to form GNSO Stakeholder Groups
- Wed, Apr 22: last day for comments on review of ICANN’s Security and Stability Advisory Committee
- Thu, Apr 30: last day for comments on ICANN FY2010 proposed budget framework
- Fri, May 1: registration of second-level .MX domain names begins
- Mon, Jun 8: last day for comments to NTIA concerning ICANN agreement
- Sun, Jun 21 – Fri, Jun 26: ICANN meetings in Sydney, Australia
- Tue, Sep 22: CIRA Annual General Meeting in Toronto
- Wed, Sep 23 – Wed, Sep 30: CIRA Board of Directors election
- Sun, Oct 25 – Fri, Oct 30: ICANN meetings in Seoul, South Korea