[gnso-vi-feb10] RE: Question to WG on RAA

["Neuman, Jeff" <Jeff.Neuman@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Some registrars on the list have argued that you must use ICANN-Accredited 
Registrars,  otherwise how will all those benefits of the RAA be passed on the 
consumers?  Although I believe the "consumer protection" angle of the RAA has 
been overblown by some on this list, I am not sure people in this group have 
issues with the RAA itself.  The issues I have seen involve whether someone 
needs to use entities that are called "ICANN-Accredited Registrars" at all to 
sell their domains, whether you need to treat them equitably, whether if the 
registry is the only registrar -whether 2 fees need to be paid, etc?.

Jeffrey J. Neuman
Neustar, Inc. / Vice President, Law & Policy

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From: owner-gnso-vi-feb10@xxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-gnso-vi-feb10@xxxxxxxxx] On 
Behalf Of Jeff Eckhaus
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 12:45 PM
To: Gnso-vi-feb10@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: [gnso-vi-feb10] Question to WG on RAA

I would like to ask a question to the people in this Working Group on the issue 
of having a Registry sign the RAA. What is the section of the RAA that people 
are so virulently opposed to? I believe this is an issue that may be getting 
muddled so would like to bring it out in the open.

The RAA does not mandate that the use of Registrars in every business model. 
That provision is in the Registry agreement. The provision in the RAA is below 
that explains this issue:

2.4 Use of ICANN Accredited Registrars. In order to promote competition in the 
registration of domain names, and in recognition of the value that 
ICANN-accredited registrars bring to the Internet community, ICANN has 
ordinarily required gTLD registries under contract with ICANN to use 
ICANN-accredited registrars, and ICANN will during the course of this agreement 
abide by any ICANN adopted specifications or policies requiring the use of 
ICANN-accredited registrars by gTLD registries.



*         The RAA  mandates that the Registrar must abide by Domain dispute 
resolutions. Is this the item in the RAA that some are opposed to?

*         The requirement to escrow data?

*         The RAA has a schedule of fees to be paid by the Registrar. Is it the 
fees?

*         Registrar Training requirements?

*         Having to delete a domain within 45 days of registrar or registrant 
terminating a registration agreement ?

*         The requirement to maintain insurance with a limit of at least 
$500,000 ?


I am hoping we can discuss this issue on the list and maybe figure out what are 
the concerns with either signing the RAA or having a Registry agreement that 
incorporates the RAA?

For those who have never read the RAA, here is a link to the latest version 
http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/ra-agreement-21may09-en.htm



Thanks

Jeff