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

[Jordan Carter]

Dear Thiago, dear all,

Dispute resolution regarding ccTLD matters is currently the subject of a
PDP in the ccNSO.

This isn't the perfect link but does give some info:

https://www.icann.org/public-comments/ccnso-pdp-retirement-review-2017-05-24-en

While the existence of the PDP does not prevent this sub-group of the CCWG
discussing this matter, my understanding of ICANN's bylaws is that the
Board would not be able to accept any WS2 recommendation on this subject.
That is a hard won protection of our ccTLD independence that has been a
feature of the ICANN system since the ccNSO was formed.

As such, the Jurisdiction group may prefer to focus its effort and energy
on matters where implementable recommendations can be made by the CCWG.

Hope this helps,

Jordan


On Tue, 22 Aug 2017 at 1:32 PM, Thiago Braz Jardim Oliveira <
thiago.jardim at itamaraty.gov.br> wrote:

> 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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-- 
Jordan Carter | Chief Executive, InternetNZ

+64-21-442-649 | jordan at internetnz.net.nz

Sent on the run, apologies for brevity
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