[council] WG on Sunrise Process - outreach

[Avri Doria <avri@xxxxxxx>]

Hi,

I want to take the chance to amplify on my concerns from yesterday's  
discussion on the possibility of a Sunrise Process WG.
Let me start by saying that i do not consider myself at all expert,  
or even well informed yet, on this topic.  In fact it is in the  
process of trying to educate myself exactly on what is involved in  
this, that i found that the divergence of seemingly responsible  
opinion on this issue is as diverse as the opinions on any ICANN  
issue.  I have read text on many different views; from those who  
believe that it is anti-competitive and protectionist and as such a  
process that should be severely curtailed if not abolished, to those  
who believe it is critical to the financial well being of existing  
name/mark holders and thus should be strengthened.  In addition to  
hearing the process described as one of necessary protection for  
trademark holders, I have also heard it described as one that places  
an incalculable profit burden on registries and registrars, as one  
which is a IP attorney employment program and as something that is  
not within ICANN's mission of security and stability.
I don't pretend to know, at this point, where it actually falls, or  
what the actual requirements and costs are for all the concerned  
stakeholders.  This is why I argued during the meeting for the widest  
possible outreach in establishing this working group. It is also why  
I think that the WG should be open beyond just the members of  
constituencies, but should be open to any ICANN participant who has  
something relevant to discuss in regard to the issue.   Since WGs do  
not make decisions or even recommend policies, but rather submit a  
report based on the aggregate knowledge of the participants,  i think  
that it should be possible to collect as wide a view as possible for  
the committees and task forces to review (note: this is a general  
view i have on WGs and not just applicable to the Sunrise WG).
thanks
a.

PS. Happy Hanuka and Blessed Solstice and what ever other holiday  
y'all celebrate