ICA Opposes Kentucky Gambling Domains Seizure

In a newsletter to members, the Internet Commerce Association has expressed its “opposition and frustration” to the Kentucky Governor’s seizure of over 140 gambling-related domain names through a court order.The domain names, some such as GamblingBoard.com are only monetised, while others are leading online gambling companies. The ICA asks if “the citizens of Kentucky tolerate the seizure of one of its business’ domain names by Iran because of an ad that linked to a dating site that included gay introductions?” the ICA is sure that is illegal there.The next hearings on the case are on 7 October and the ICA will be filing a brief in the case opposing the states overreaching order. The ICA is requesting support for this fight either through joining the organisation or donations.In other news from the ICA, they held their annual meeting on 23 September with its president, Jeremiah Johnston, sharing “his vision for more participation by domainers and for better planning including mechanisms for quicker response to urgent issues.”There was also a request from Lori Anne Wardi, CEO of Dream Big Media who requested ICA assistance in regard to an ongoing trademark dispute she has with mTLD, operator of the .mobi registry. ICA Members and the Board agreed with Ms Wardi that this situation has import as a potentially adverse precedent for domain investors far beyond this case.This case involved .mobi claiming a trademark of .mobi, saying the public can use the term as a domain extension but not in any way, “by mere virtue of being awarded a registry contract from ICANN is an unprecedented act that would set an extraordinarily dangerous precedent.”Finally, there is a last call for nominations and volunteers for ICA director candidates and a reminder TRAFFIC Down Under is imminent with all profits going to ICA.More information on the above topics is available from the Internet Commerce Association website at www.internetcommerce.org.