Suit Filed Challenging ICANN/VeriSign Agreement

The “World Association of Domain Name Dealers” has filed suit against ICANN alleging that its agreement with VeriSign to administer the .com domain name violates U.S. antitrust rules. The suit alleges that because the agreement automatically renews in perpetuity unless VeriSign files for bankruptcy, or materially breaches it, there will be no chance that someone will challenge VeriSign’s administration of the .com database. This case is important since it illustrates continuing challenges to U.S. domination of Internet governance. BBC article

Internet Governance – VeriSign and ICANN Settle their Dispute

VeriSign and ICAAN have been disputing VeriSign’s administration rights over the .com domain name. The dispute began when VeriSign created a program called “site finder” that popped up when an incorrect, or unresolvable, domain name was searched for. Site finder was a marketing tool for VeriSign. ICANN argued that VeriSign should not be able to use its position as administrator of the .com domain name to further its business. The parties have agreed to resolve their dispute. Basically VeriSign has agreed to merely administer the .com domain name, and support ICANN in world bodies, and ICANN has given VeriSign a perpetual contract to administer the .com domain name. First Circle Id Post Second Circle Id Post Third Circle Id Post

DMCA – Copyright Office to Commence Rulemaking on Anticircumvention Measures

The DMCA prohibits use and dissemination of technology that can be used to circumvent anti-piracy, or copyright controls, used by content owners to prevent duplication. Under the DMCA, the Copyright Office is required to review this technology, and determine, from time-to-time, whether some allowed uses of copyrighted material are being hindered by these devices. This rulemaking is important for two reasons: since many Internet companies received floods of DMCA notices, any change in the DMCA adds to the complexity of DMCA compliance procedures. Second, it presents the opportunity for companies to comment on aspects of the DMCA that are affecting their business. Copyright Office Notice