Domain name system transitions to private sector

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Domain name system transitions to private sector

icann.gif

ICANN, the body that regulates the domain name system, is no longer under US government oversight as of October 1

The contract between ICANN and the US Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration to perform the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions expired at midnight on Friday.

A last-minute challenge filed by four US attorneys general was rejected by a judge in Texas on Friday afternoon.

The transition means that ICANN is now a non-profit organisation overseen by multiple stakeholders, including internet users, businesses, registries and governments. 

The transition to the so-called multi-stakeholder model had been supported by ICANN itself, the US government and stakeholders, but had been repeatedly challenged by some US politicians. 

They alleged that the transition involved giving away US property (the root file of internet addresses) without lawmakers' consent.

The rejection of the final challenge means the internet and domain name system, including rights protection mechanisms, will continue to operate as normal, said Jeff Neuman, senior vice president of Com Laude USA.

If the transition had not gone ahead, it would have led to "a loss of trust", he told Managing IP: "If that trust crumbles, then the rights protection mechanisms and everything considered sacred would crumble with it."

In a statement, ICANN said the transition validates the multi-stakeholder model and enhances its accountability.



more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Firms explain the IP concerns that can arise amid attempts by brands to show off their ‘Canadianness’ to consumers
Counsel say they will be monitoring issues such as the placement of house marks, and how Mondelēz demonstrates a likelihood of confusion in its dispute with Aldi
The EUIPO expanding its mediation services and a new Riyadh office for Simmons & Simmons were also among the top talking points this week
David Boundy explains why Pierson Ferdinand provides a platform that will allow him to use administrative law to address IP concerns
Developments included an anti-anti-suit injunction being granted for the first time, and the court clarifying that it can adjudicate over alleged infringements that occurred before June 2023
Griffith Hack’s Amanda Stark, one of our ‘Top 250 Women in IP’, explains how peer support from male colleagues is crucial, and reveals why the life sciences sector is thriving
The case, which could offer clarity on the training of AI models within the context of copyright law, will go to trial in the UK next week
CMS IndusLaw co-founder Suneeth Katarki says he plans to hire a patent team in India and argues that IP should play a major role within full-service firms
Partners at the firm explain why they’ve seen more SEP cases at the ITC, and why they are comfortable recommending the forum to clients
The association, which will head to London in 2026, hosted its flagship event in the Californian city in 2005, 2015 and 2025
Gift this article