Historical Resolution Tracking Feature » .CAT Cross-Ownership Removal Request

Important note: The explanatory text provided through this database (including the summary, implementation actions, identification of related resolutions, and additional information) is an interpretation or an explanation that has no official authority and does not represent the purpose behind the Board actions, nor does any explanations or interpretations modify or override the Resolutions themselves. Resolutions can only be modified through further act of the ICANN Board.

.CAT Cross-Ownership Removal Request

Resolution of the ICANN Board

Topic:

Summary:

Board approves amendment to remove the cross-ownership restriction in the Fundació puntCAT 23 September 2005 Registry Agreement.

Category:

International Agreements

Meeting Date:

Thu, 11 Apr 2013

Resolution Number:

2013.04.11.07

URL for Resolution:

https://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-11apr13-en.htm

Resolution Text:

Whereas, in December 2012, the Fundació puntCAT requested the removal of the cross-ownership restrictions reflected on the 23 September 2005 Registry Agreement signed between ICANN and Fundació puntCAT. Whereas, the request followed the "Process for Handling Requests for Removal of Cross-Ownership Restrictions on Operators of Existing gTLDs" adopted by the Board on 18 October 2012. Whereas, ICANN conducted a competition review in accordance to the Board-approved process and has determined that the request does not raise significant competition issues. Whereas, a public comment period took place between 22 December 2012 and 11 February 2013 and only one comment was received, which was in support of Fundació puntCAT’s request. Resolved (2013.04.11.07), an amendment to remove the cross-ownership restriction in the Fundació puntCAT 23 September 2005 Registry Agreement is approved, and the President and CEO and the General Counsel are authorized to take such actions as appropriate to implement the amendment.

Rationale for Resolution:

Why the Board is addressing the issue? The cross-ownership removal for existing registries has been subject to extensive discussions by the board and the community. This is the first time an existing registry has made the request according the Board-approved process adopted 18 October 2012. However, the Board is likely to see additional requests in the further. Under the Board process adopted in October 2012, to lift cross-ownership restrictions existing gTLD registry operators could either request an amendment to their existing Registry Agreement or request transition to the new form of Registry Agreement for new gTLDs. Although Fundació puntCAT requested an amendment to its Registry Agreement, it still will be offered the opportunity to transition to the new form of Registry Agreement for the new gTLDs. Removal of the cross-ownership restrictions for .BIZ, .INFO and .ORG are being considered as part of their overall renewal negotiations. ICANN is also in preliminary discussions with .MOBI and .PRO on removal of the cross-ownership restrictions. What is the proposal being considered? An amendment to the 23 September 2005 Registry Agreement signed between ICANN and Fundació puntCAT. Which stakeholders or others were consulted? A public comment period took place between 22 December 2012 and 11 February 2013. What concerns or issues were raised by the community? Only one comment was received during the public comment period. The comment was in favor of the Fundació puntCAT request. What factors did the Board find to be significant? ICANN conducted a competition review in accordance to with the Board-approved process for handling requests of removal of cross-ownership restrictions in Registry Agreements. ICANN has determined that the request does not raise significant competition issues. Are there fiscal impacts or ramifications on ICANN (strategic plan, operating plan, budget); the community; and/or the public? There is no fiscal impact to ICANN. Are there any security, stability or resiliency issues relating to the DNS? There are no security, stability and resiliency issues identified. Is this either a defined policy process within ICANN’s Supporting Organizations or ICANN’s Organizational Administrative Function decision requiring public comment or not requiring public comment? This request followed the "Process for Handling Requests for Removal of Cross-Ownership Restrictions on Operators of Existing gTLDs" adopted by the Board on 18 October 2012. This is an Organizational Administrative Function for which public comment was received.