Speaking as someone who does not regularly comment here (but does regularly follow discussions), I just wanted to say that I personally find discussions here neither 'spammy' nor 'unprofessional'.

I think it is perfectly acceptable for a group whose mandate is to represent non-commercial interests to discuss what is arguably at least an incident of misuse (or at the least over-reaching use) of trademark. The term 'bully' is not, in my opinion, used lightly or frivolously in this context.

Putting aside the actual legal merits of USOC's actual claim here for a second and focusing on IP bullying more broadly as a commercial interest, we're discussing scenarios where one party makes claims that are dubious on legal grounds, but has succeeded purely on the basis that the threatened party lacks the resources (or commercial motivation) to fight in court. While the knitting scenario in particular did not involve the use of a domain name, this is certainly a salient issue to ICANN and central to the UDRP, etc., so I'm not sure how such discussions are out of place here.

FYI -- I do find this list generates a lot of traffic. For what it's worth, I personally use a custom filter that diverts all into one folder and check in periodically so it does not interfere with my review of day to day emails. I've done this for many lists I'm on, and it only takes a minute or two to set up.

Best,
Tamir


--

Tamir Israel
Staff Lawyer

Samuelson-Glushko Canadian Internet Policy & Public Interest Clinic
University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, CML Section
57 Louis Pasteur Street
Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5
Tel: (613) 562-5800 ext. 2914
Fax: (613) 562-5417

     Do you really need to print this email? / Est-ce nécessaire d’imprimer ce courriel?



On 7/3/2012 5:53 PM, Michael Carson wrote:
[log in to unmask]" type="cite">

Thanks Milton for your email.  One of the problems that I have with comments on this listserv is that a large number of them tend to be directed at corporations/companies (in this case, brand bullies as you call them).  Yet individuals within the ICANN community (especially those will long ties and history) "appear" to collectively bully - in the name of protecting the Internet space - those (corporations/companies/brands) they disagree with.  There's only a small group of individuals who regularly comment on the NCSG listserv.  Do their opinions represent the majority?

 

As you know the NSCG is comprised of individuals and in the YMCA's case an NFP who happens to have brand.  While the NCUC and NPOC serve different interests, the "common" interests should be for all voices to be heard, included and valued with respect to Internet matters.

 

DeeDee, constructive criticism and robust discussions are important and necessary.  Immature comments are not professional; that's what I meant by unprofessional.

 

Enough said by me, I'm on vacation and seek to enjoy the rest of it.  Have a wonderful holiday.  Regards,

Michael Carson

YMCA of the USA


From: "Milton L Mueller" <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2012 4:18:59 PM
Subject: Re: knitters needle

I agree with DeeDee. The issue of brand-bullying by the Olympic committee is highly relevant to domain name policy. While some of the banter about knitting needles on airplanes might have been orthogonal to the main point, this will happen on any list that is actually alive.

 

From: NCSG-Discuss [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of DeeDee Halleck

The discussion of the knitters is not wasteful, though it is amusing!  It is information that indicates the monopolistic commercial aggression of the Olympic Committee which should never get special privileges from ICANN or anybody!