[Ws2-jurisdiction] ISSUE: In rem Jurisdiction over ccTLDs

[Thiago Braz Jardim Oliveira]

Dear All,

For your consideration:

Issue 3: In rem Jurisdiction over ccTLDs

Description: US courts have in rem jurisdiction over domain names as a result of ICANN's place of incorporation, and US courts and US enforcement agencies could possibly exercise its exclusive enforcement jurisdiction over ICANN to compel it to re-delegate ccTLDs. This is contrary, in particular, to paragraph 63 of the Tunis Agenda: "Countries should not be involved in decisions regarding another country's country-code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). Their legitimate interests, as expressed and defined by each country, in diverse ways, regarding decisions affecting their ccTLDs, need to be respected, upheld and addressed via a flexible and improved framework and mechanisms." It is to be noted that while paragraph 63 may not state that States have sovereignty over ccTLDs, it does establish that States should not interfere with ccTLDs. Further, an obligation on States not to interfere with certain matters, as ccTLDs, need not be based on the principle of sovereignty to exist, nor does it suppose that the matter is one subject to the sovereignty of States. For States can simply agree to limit their ability to interfere with ccTLDs delegated to other countries, and this is the principle embodied in Paragraph 63 of the Tunis Agenda.

Proposed solution: ICANN should seek jurisdictional immunities in respect of ICANN's activities relating to the management of ccTLDs. In addition, it should be included in ICANN Bylaws an exclusive choice of forum provision, whereby disputes relating to the management of any given ccTLD by ICANN shall be settled exclusively in the courts of the country to which the ccTLD in question refer. A similar exclusive choice of forum clause shall be included in those contracts ICANN may have with ccTLD managers, where such a contract exists.

Best regards,

Thiago
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