Lead Networks files for arbitration.
Domain name registrar Lead Networks Domains Pvt. Ltd. has filed for arbitration to challenge ICANN’s decision to not renew its accreditation.
ICANN had sent a breach notice to the registrar for failing to comply with UDRP decisions. Instead of de-accrediting the registrar for the continued breach, ICANN decided to simply not renew its accreditation when it expired.
A lawsuit filed earlier this year charges Lead Networks with being associated with a domain registrant in India that owns a number of trademarked domain names. According to the lawsuit, Lead Networks allegedly houses the domain names and then its associated company files a lawsuit in India if it loses a UDRP.
Among the domain names ICANN says Lead Networks didn’t transfer upon their loss in UDRP were boyscoutofamerica.com, baylormedicalhospital.com, bankofamercia.com, and itunesdownload.com.
ICANN says it will aggressively challenge Lead Networks in the arbitration, but will allow Lead Networks to remain accredited in the interim.
If you go back years, registrars had practically no oversight from the accrediting body, ICANN. Which someone should really write a book about, i.e. the early “wild west” days of registrars.
I am glad ICANN are taking this role more seriously now. However, failing to de-accredit if there was an ongoing breach would seem lax, and allowing a registrar (in violation) to continue to operate could put consumers at risk … as was the case with RegisterFly.com.
ICANN do deserve credit here for holding their registrars to standards.