I agree that a constituency that advocates for commercial interests properly belongs in the Commercial Stakeholder Group.  NCSG is the only place at ICANN that is specifically reserved for NON-commercial interests as their goal.   It seems this trademark group (NPOC) belongs in the CSG since it is primarily concerned with commercial interests - especially trademarks and brands.  It is not enough to be set up as a non-for-profit organization to belong in NCSG.  Thousands of not-for-profit organizations are set up to support commercial interests (like the RIAA, MPAA, IFPI, etc) -- but they are set up to benefit COMMERCE, so they would properly belong in the CSG.

It is important that this distinction is made early-on in the formation of the NCSG - or it will be entirely over-run by commercial interests set up as not-for-profits.  Of course these groups are welcome at ICANN, but they really belong in the CSG.

Best,
Robin


On Nov 8, 2010, at 11:39 AM, Kimberley Heitman wrote:

> Looking at the IP-owner agenda of the NPOC, it’s no surprise that there is going to be considerable resistance to commercial interests being asserted within the NCSG. Obviously the proper place for its shadowy members is within the Intellectual Property Constituency with the other IP lawyers.
> -----------------------
> Kimberley James Heitman
> www.kheitman.com
> -----------------------
> 
> From: NCSG-NCUC [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Amber Sterling
> Sent: Monday, 8 November 2010 11:26 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: NPOC Q&A Document
>  
> Hi All,
>  
> Thank you for your questions and patience.  Attached is the Q&A document we created to address your questions about the NPOC.  We will send updated information regarding our membership towards the end of November.
>  
> Kind regards,
> Amber
>  
> Amber Sterling
> Senior Intellectual Property Specialist
> Association of American Medical Colleges
>  




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