All,

 

I am in London, so my hours are a little off from what they normally are, but I see there has been some excellent discussion on this topic.  I know there has been a lot of discussion about what happens if we can’t all agree on a topic and the application of what has been called the “Neuman Rule” (which by the way is flattering 😊).

 

But that said, I want us to try an exercise of thinking about this issue from a fresh lens and trying to see if there are any scenarios in which a so-called closed generic could be applied for and accepted.  IF we keep reverting to the conversation of what will be the situation if we don’t agree, then that may serve as an impediment to all of us working to think about this issue in a collaborative creative way.  Yes, we will eventually have to deal with that important question for this and some other issues.  I am not denying that.  But the optimistic side of me still believes firmly in the multi-stakeholder model and that if we put our collective minds together on this and other solutions, we may reach some surprising and satisfying results.

 

So, I want to again put up the GAC Advice because I think it is important here:  “For strings representing generic terms, exclusive registry access should serve a public interest goal."  The GAC did not advise an outright ban.  Nor did they define the criteria for what they considered would “serve a public interest goal.”  The Working Group in its Initial Report provided some potential options for public comment.  Alan has presented a additional proposal (Thank you Alan!).

 

The main question for next call is for those that have been advocating the complete ban is whether or not there is any scenario that they can envision an application for excusive registry access could “serve a public interest goal.  If the answer is no from a substantial amount of people, then we will end the discussions.  If the answer is yes, then we can continue the discussions and yes, discuss this in a face to face.  But if the answer is no, then having a face to face meeting on this will not be productive.

 

The answer to the above question should in no way depend on what the status quo was or is.

 

**********************************************

DISCLAIMER:  There are some the believe I (or Cheryl) have an interest in seeing this go in one direction or another.  But the truth is that the leadership does not.  My company may have a position, but they understand that I am not acting on behalf of my company here and in fact, I have not been a part of the comments they have been or will be developing.

 

Jeff Neuman

Senior Vice President 

 

Com Laude | Valideus
1751 Pinnacle Drive

Suite 600, McLean

VA 22102, USA


M: +1.202.549.5079

D: +1.703.635.7514

E: jeff.neuman@comlaude.com
www.comlaude.com


 

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