I've now read and analyzed this memo carefully. Regrettably, its conclusions are fundamentally incorrect. Please see the annotated copy attached. Specifically, there is no potential that "exposes members [of ICANN] to legal liability" based on the "corporate veil" analysis cited in the memo. Further, and as noted in the attached, I would reject the "fundamental bylaw" analysis as well. This may be irrelevant given our shift in direction, but having considered the memo, I did not want it floating around as a potentially legitimate source of analysis. I would have liked to praise the memo, but unfortunately I have to suggest we bury it. Finally, with regard to the power of members to approve bylaws, this is clearly set forth in Section 5150(b): "Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by approval of members." Any confusion otherwise was based on the misbegotten idea that the "ultimate authority of the board" applies even to members. Greg *Gregory S. Shatan **ï* *Abelman Frayne & Schwab* *Partner* *| IP | Technology | Media | Internet* *666 Third Avenue | New York, NY 10017-5621* *Direct* 212-885-9253 *| **Main* 212-949-9022 *Fax* 212-949-9190 *|* *Cell *917-816-6428 *gsshatan@lawabel.com <gsshatan@lawabel.com>* *ICANN-related: gregshatanipc@gmail.com <gregshatanipc@gmail.com>* *www.lawabel.com <http://www.lawabel.com/>* On Sat, Jun 20, 2015 at 4:32 PM, Arun Sukumar <arun.sukumar@nludelhi.ac.in> wrote:
Hello all,
Please find attached a memo/primer from the National Law University, New Delhi explaining the idea of Fundamental Bylaws and examining its basis in California law. The document also has some research on what's known in some jurisdictions as courts "lifting the corporate veil", an action that potentially exposes members to legal liability.
Hope this is useful to those who are following the CCWG's work. This is simply to supplement the legal advice CCWG is getting from both law firms.
Best, Arun
-- - @arunmsukumar <http://www.twitter.com/arunmsukumar> Senior Fellow, Centre for Communication Governance <http://www.ccgdelhi.org> National Law University, New Delhi Ph: +91-9871943272
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