Karl and all,

  The one point Karl makes here in respect to how this thread has
changed, is really the overriding and predominant crux of the
management of the DNS.  There are really two parts to Karls point
as well.  We [INEGroup] outline them in the following manner:

1.) The current Root  or (A.Root-Server.net) is essentially PUBLIC property
      as it was devised and developed as with public funds.

2.) Multiple Root Structure -  As has been my and [INEGroup's]
     contention for several years this extension is not only possible
     within the current DNS and Root structure architecture, it
     is likely advisable for overall internet/DNS stability and introduces
     a concept of flexibility where real competition can flourish
     The gTLD-MoU/IAHC/CORE bunch has been disagreeable
     with this contention.  However it seems now that the ICANN is
     moving in this direction or creating a greater potential for such
     a extension to occur in their desire and announcement (Without
     public comment or input), to "Swap" A.Root-Server.Net
     to ISI's L.Root-Server.Net.

Karl Auerbach wrote:

> > You do not own your domain name.
>
> There is now case law on the books that says otherwise.
>
> You are quite simply wrong.

This is one of those cases where "ownership' is a soft concept.

Maybe one doesn't have absolute, unlimited title to a domain name, but one
has some collection of rights, contractual and perhaps otherwise, that are
in and of themselves rights that can be transferred (perhaps for a quid
pro quo, i.e. sold), used as security for debt, licensed, delegated, etc
etc.

One should remember that even in land, nobody has absolute title -- the
government always has an overriding power to take it away, to levy
taxes, and to limit use.

My conclusion is that domain names do come with a bundle of rights and
that those rights do constitute sufficient discretionary power over the
domain name that they, or at least the rights towards the domain name if
not the name itself, could be considered a form of property right.

Of course, this sub-thread started off on the issue of whether the DNS
root is a public resource or "private property".

Given that there can perfectly well be multiple roots, I would tend
towards, but I don't go all the way, towards the latter.  But ICANN and
its regulation are being based on the presumption of a single, universal
root.

                --karl--

Regards,

--
Jeffrey A. Williams
CEO/DIR. Internet Network Eng/SR. Java/CORBA Development Eng.
Information Network Eng. Group. INEG. INC.
E-Mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Contact Number:  972-447-1894
Address: 5 East Kirkwood Blvd. Grapevine Texas 75208
 

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