Reply Comment on Behalf of the International Olympic Committee
We are disappointed to see Mr. Stoll's commentary on the GNSO Recommendations for Protection of the IOC and Red Cross names at the second level of new gTLDs. While we understand the issue is prone to vigorous debate in some respects, Mr. Stoll has made misstatements that we must now address, to protect the integrity of the discussion. Mr. Stoll states "There is no reason than the protection of commercial interests to grant a protection to the IOC and this simply should be taken off the table as it is wasting everybody's time." The IOC is not a commercial organization; it is a not-for-profit organization. The IOC is committed entirely to the concept of Olympism, which refers to its efforts to build a better world through sport. This is achieved through six programs, Sport for All, Development through Sport, Education through Sport, Women and Sport, Peace through Sport and Sport and the Environment. The IOC funds many worthy causes, some of which save lives. In fact, the IOC was recently honored at the International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC for its contribution to the fight against the global AIDS crisis. In 2011, the IOC submitted a public document to ICANN which explained its humanitarian efforts. We have attached that document for your review. We hope that this clarifies the status of the IOC. Respectfully submitted, Kiran J. Malancharuvil Silverberg, Goldman & Bikoff, L.L.P. Georgetown Place 1101 30th Street NW, Suite 120 Washington, DC 20007 (202) 944-3307 - office Attachment:
IOC Letter to ICANN 2011.pdf |