Conflicts of Interest Policy

30 July 2009

ARTICLE I -- PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION

Section 1.1 The purpose of the Conflicts of Interest Policy (the “COI Policy”) is to ensure that the deliberations and decisions of ICANN are made in the interests of the global Internet community as a whole and to protect the interests of ICANN when ICANN is contemplating entering into a transaction, contract, or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of a Covered Person.

Section 1.2 A Covered Person (see Section VII below for definitions of all defined terms that can be identified throughout this Policy with initial capital letters) may not use his or her position with respect to ICANN, or confidential corporate information obtained by him or her relating to ICANN, in order to achieve a financial benefit for himself or herself or for a third person, including another nonprofit or charitable organization.

Section 1.3 This COI Policy is intended to supplement but not to replace any applicable laws governing conflicts of interest in nonprofit and charitable corporations.

Section 1.4 ICANN will encourage ICANN Supporting Organization and Advisory Committees and other ICANN bodies, as appropriate, to consider implementing the principles and practices of this COI Policy as relevant.

Section 1.5 The Board Governance Committee shall administer and monitor compliance with the COI Policy.

Section 1.6 Certain Capitalized Terms used in this COI Policy shall have the meanings set forth in Article VII of this COI Policy.

ARTICLE II -- PROCEDURES REGARDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Section 2.1 Duty to Disclose.

(a) In connection with any proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement being considered by ICANN, a Covered Person shall promptly disclose to the Board Governance Committee the existence of any Potential Conflicts that may give rise to a Conflict of Interest with respect to the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement.

(b) The disclosure to the Board Governance Committee of a Potential Conflict shall be made pursuant to such procedures as the Board Governance Committee may establish from time to time. The Covered Person making such disclosure is referred to herein as an Interested Person.

Section 2.2 Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists.

(a) After disclosure of a Potential Conflict by an Interested Person, the Board Governance Committee shall have a discussion with the Interested Person regarding the material facts with respect to the Potential Conflict.

(b) Thereafter, in the absence of the Interested Person, Disinterested members of the Board Governance Committee shall determine whether or not the circumstances disclosed by the Interested Person regarding the Potential Conflict constitute a Conflict of Interest, and, subject to a contrary finding by the Disinterested Board members, the determination by the Disinterested members in this regard is conclusive and may not be challenged by the Interested Person. If the Interested Person is a Director, such determination shall be reported to the Disinterested Board members at the next Board meeting and shall be subject to Board ratification.

Section 2.3 Procedures for Addressing a Conflict of Interest.

(a) If the Board Governance Committee determines that a Conflict of Interest exists, the Conflicted Person may make a presentation to the Board Governance Committee regarding the transaction, contract, or arrangement. After any such presentation, the Conflicted Person shall leave the meeting and shall not be present during any discussion of the Conflict of Interest.

(b) The Chair of the Board Governance Committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a Disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement. If the Conflicted Person is a Board member, the findings shall be reported to the Board.

(c) After exercising due diligence, the Board Governance Committee shall determine whether ICANN can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction, contract, or arrangement in a manner that would not give rise to a Conflict of Interest. If the Conflicted person is a Board member, such determination shall be reported to the Board.

(d) If a more advantageous transaction, contract, or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a Conflict of Interest, the Board Governance Committee, and where the Conflicted Person is a Board member, the Board, shall determine by a majority vote of the Disinterested members whether the transaction, contract, or arrangement is in ICANN’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable to ICANN. In conformity with those determinations, the Board Governance Committee or the Board, as applicable, shall make its decision as to whether ICANN should enter into the transaction, contract or arrangement.

Section 2.4. Duty to Abstain

(a) No Director shall vote on any matter in which he or she has a material Financial Interest that will be affected by the outcome of the vote.

(b) In the event of such an abstention, the abstaining Director shall state the reason for the abstention, which shall be noted in the notes of the meeting in which the abstention occurred.

(c) No Director shall participate in Committee or Board deliberations on any matter in which he or she has a material Financial Interest without first disclosing the conflict and until a majority of Disinterested Committee or Board members present agree on whether and in what manner the Board member may participate.

Section 2.5 Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy.

(a) If the Board Governance Committee has reasonable cause to believe a Covered Person has failed to disclose an actual or Potential Conflict of Interest, the Board Governance Committee shall inform the Covered Person, and initiate the procedures described in Section 2.2 and 2.3.

ARTICLE III-- RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS

Section 3.1 The written or electronic records of the Board and the Board Governance Committee relating to Conflicts of Interest shall contain:

(a) The names of Covered Persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a Potential Conflict in connection with a proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement;

(b) The nature of the Potential Conflict;

(d) The Board’s or Board Governance Committee’s, as applicable, decision as to whether a Conflict of Interest in fact existed;

(e) The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction, contract, or arrangement;

(f) The content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement; and

(g) A record of any votes taken in connection therewith.

ARTICLE IV -- COMPENSATION

Section 4.1 A Covered Person who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from ICANN for services may not vote on matters pertaining to the Covered Person’s compensation.

Section 4.2 A Covered Person may not vote on matters pertaining to compensation received, directly or indirectly from ICANN by a member of the Covered Person’s Family or by an individual with whom a Covered Person has a close personal relationship, including, but not limited to, any relationship other than kinship, spousal or spousal equivalent that establishes a significant personal bond between the Covered Person and such other individual that in the judgment of the Board Governance Committee could impair the Covered Person’s ability to act fairly and independently and in a manner that furthers, or is not opposed to, the best interests of ICANN.

Section 4.3 No Covered Person who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from ICANN, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to the Board or to any Committee regarding the Covered Person’s compensation.

ARTICLE V -- ANNUAL STATEMENTS

Section 5.1 Each Covered Person shall annually sign a statement which affirms such Covered Person: (i) has received a copy of the COI Policy; (ii) has read and understands the COI Policy; (iii) has agreed to comply with the COI Policy; and (iv) understands ICANN is a tax-exempt organization described in § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that in order to maintain its federal tax exemption, ICANN must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of ICANN’s tax-exempt purposes.

ARTICLE VI -- PERIODIC REVIEWS

Section 6.1 To ensure ICANN operates in a manner consistent with its tax-exempt purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, ICANN’s Office of the General Counsel and Finance Department shall conduct periodic reviews of its purposes and activities.

Section 6.2 These periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:

(a) Whether activities carried on by ICANN are consistent with and in furtherance of one or more of ICANN’s tax-exempt purposes;

(b) Whether ICANN follows policies and procedures reasonably calculated to prevent private Inurement more than incidental private benefit, excess benefit transactions, substantial lobbying, and participation or intervention in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office; and

(c) Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, are based on appropriate data as to comparability, and are the result of arm’s length bargaining.

(d) Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with organizations that provide management personnel or management services conform to ICANN’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further tax-exempt purposes, and do not result in private Inurement more than incidental private benefit, or in an excess benefit transaction.

Section 6.3 When conducting the periodic reviews, ICANN may, but need not, use outside experts and/or advisors. If outside experts and/or advisors are used, their use shall not relieve the Board of ICANN of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted in the manner prescribed in this Article.

ARTICLE VII -- DEFINITIONS

Section 7.1 As used in this COI Policy, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below.

(a) “Board Liaison” shall mean those liaisons to the ICANN Board of Directors appointed in accordance with ICANN’s Bylaws.

(b) “Compensation” includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are substantial in nature.

(d) A “Conflict of Interest” arises when the Board or Board Governance Committee, as applicable, following the procedures set forth in Articles II and III of this COI Policy, determines that a Covered Person has disclosed a Potential Conflict that may in the judgment of a majority of the Disinterested members of the Board or Board Governance Committee, as applicable, adversely impact the Covered Person’s ability to act fairly and independently and in a manner that furthers, or is not opposed to, the best interests of ICANN.

(e) “Conflicted Person” means a Person that has been determined by the Board Governance Committee to have a Conflict of Interest.

(f) “Covered Person” shall mean an Officer, Director, Board Liaison, or Key Employee of ICANN.

(g) A “Director” is any voting member of the Board of ICANN.

(h) “Disinterested” means not having a Potential Conflict with respect to a transaction, contract, or arrangement being considered by ICANN.

(i) “Domestic Partner” shall mean an individual who resides at the same residence as the Covered Person as his or her spousal equivalent.

(j) A “Duality of Interest” arises when with respect to a transaction, contract, or arrangement, a Covered Person or a member of a Covered Person’s Family has a fiduciary relationship with another party to a proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement which gives rise to a circumstance in which the fiduciary duties of the Covered Person to ICANN and the fiduciary duties of the Covered Person, or the fiduciary duties of the Family Member of the Covered Person, to the other party may be in conflict. A Duality of Interest does not constitute a Conflict of Interest if ICANN and all other parties to the transaction, contract, or arrangement, being in possession of all material facts, waive the conflict in writing.

(k) The “Family” of any Covered Person shall include the Covered Person’s spouse; Domestic Partner; siblings and their spouses or Domestic Partners; ancestors and their spouses or Domestic Partners; and descendants and their spouses or Domestic Partners.

(l) A “Financial Interest” exists whenever a Covered Person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or Family: (i) an ownership or investment interest in any entity with which ICANN has a transaction, contract, or other arrangement; (ii) a compensation arrangement with any entity or individual with which ICANN has a transaction, contract, or other arrangement; and (iii) a potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which ICANN is negotiating a transaction, contract, or other arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. Transactions, contracts, and arrangements include grants or other donations as well as business arrangements. A Financial Interest is a Potential Conflict but is not necessarily a Conflict of Interest. A Financial Interest does not become a Conflict of Interest until the Board Governance Committee, following the procedures set forth in Articles II and III of this COI Policy, determines that the Financial Interest constitutes a Conflict of Interest.

(m) An “Interested Person” is a Covered Person who has a Potential Conflict of Interest with respect to a particular transaction, contract, or arrangement under consideration by the Board or Board Governance Committee, as applicable.

(n) “Internal Revenue Code” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any future revenue statute replacing the 1986 Code.

(o) “Inurement,” as used in this COI Policy, shall mean: (i) a transaction in which ICANN provides an economic benefit, directly or indirectly, to or for the use of any Covered Person where the value of that economic benefit exceeds the value of the consideration (including the performance of services) that ICANN receives in exchange; or (ii) any transaction or arrangement by or through which a Covered Person receives a direct or indirect distribution of ICANN’s net earnings (other than payment of fair market value for property or the right to use property and reasonable compensation for services).

(p) A “Key Employee” is an employee of ICANN designated as a member of the Executive Management team of ICANN, but who is not an Officer or Director.

(q) An “Officer” is an individual holding a position designated as an Officer by ICANN’s Bylaws or by resolution of the Board and includes, without limitation, the President of ICANN.

(r) A “Person” includes an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, unincorporated association, or other entity.

(s) A “Potential Conflict” means any one or more of the following: (i) a direct or indirect Financial Interest in a transaction, contract or arrangement being considered by ICANN by a Covered Person or a member of a Covered Person’s Family; (ii) a Duality of Interest by a Covered Person or a member of a Covered Person’s Family with respect to another party to a transaction, contract, or arrangement being considered by ICANN that has not been waived in writing by all parties to the transaction, contract, or arrangement; or (iii) a close personal relationship between the Covered Person, or a member of a Covered Person’s Family, with an individual who is, directly or indirectly through business, investment, or Family, a party to a transaction, contract, or arrangement being considered by ICANN.

Section 7.2 Where terms used in this COI Policy have a particular meaning under the Internal Revenue Code, this COI Policy shall be construed to incorporate that meaning.

Section 7.3 All other terms used in this COI Policy shall be given their ordinary, everyday meaning.

From: rt4-whois-bounces@icann.org [mailto:rt4-whois-bounces@icann.org] On Behalf Of Denise Michel
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 6:18 PM
To: rt4-whois@icann.org
Subject: [Rt4-whois] Board Conflicts of Interest Policy

Conflicts of Interest Policy
[Adopted March 4, 1999, pursuant to ICANN Bylaws,
Article V, Section 7, and Article VI, Section 3(b)]
This policy superseded by the 30 July 2009 version.

1. Purpose

The purpose of the Conflicts of Interest policy is to ensure that the deliberations and decisions of the Corporation are made in the interests of the global Internet community as a whole, and to protect the interests of the Corporation when it is contemplating entering into a transaction, contract, or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an Interested Director, Officer or Person (as defined below). An Interested Director, Officer or Person may not use his or her position with respect to the Corporation, or confidential corporate information obtained by him or her relating to the Corporation, in order to achieve a financial benefit for himself or herself or for a third person, including another nonprofit or charitable organization. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable laws governing conflicts of interest in nonprofit and charitable corporations.

2. Definitions

2.1 Compensation. "Compensation" includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are substantial in nature.

2.2 Family. The "family" of any individual shall include only his or her spouse; his or her siblings and their spouses; his or her ancestors; and his or her descendants and their spouses.

2.3 Financial Interest. A person has a "financial interest" if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment or family:

(a) An existing or potential ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Corporation has a transaction, contract, or other arrangement, or

(b) A compensation arrangement with the Corporation or with any entity or individual with which the Corporation has a transaction, contract, or other arrangement, or

(c) An existing or potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Corporation is negotiating a transaction, contract, or other arrangement, or

(d) An existing or potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity whose business or operation has been or will be directly affected by a decision or action of the Corporation.

2.4 Interested Director. "Interested Director" shall mean any Director of the Corporation who has a material financial interest, as defined above, or who serves as a Director or Officer of any entity with which the Corporation has a transaction, contract, or other arrangement.

2.5 Interested Officer. "Interested Officer" shall mean any Officer who has a material financial interest, as defined above, or who serves as a Director or Officer of any entity with which the Corporation has a transaction, contract, or other arrangement. For purposes of this policy, the President of the Corporation shall be treated as an Officer.

2.6 Interested Person. "Interested Person" shall mean either:

(a) Any person currently being compensated by the Corporation for services rendered to it within the previous 12 months, whether as a full- or part-time employee, independent contractor, or otherwise, or

(b) Any person whose family member, as defined in Section 2.2, is currently being compensated by the Corporation for services rendered to it within the previous 12 months, whether as a full- or part-time employee, independent contractor, or otherwise.

3. Committee on Conflicts of Interest

3.1 To administer and monitor compliance with this Policy, the Board shall create a Committee of the Board on Conflicts of Interest ("Conflicts Committee"), to consist of at least two Directors named by the Board.

3.2 The Conflicts Committee shall require a statement from each Director and Officer not less frequently than once a year setting forth all business and other affiliations which relate in any way to the business and other activities of the Corporation.

4. Duty to Abstain

4.1 No Director shall vote on any matter in which he or she has a material and direct financial interest that will be affected by the outcome of the vote.

4.2 In the event of such an abstention, the abstaining Director shall state the reason for the abstention, which shall be noted in the minutes of the Board of Directors.

5. Disclosure by Directors and Officers

5.1 When requested by the Conflicts Committee (not less frequently than once a year), each Director and Officer shall promptly submit a statement to the Committee setting forth all business and other affiliations which relate in any way to the business and other affiliations of the Corporation.

5.2 With respect to any particular matter then pending before the Corporation, each Director and Officer shall disclose to the Conflicts Committee any matter that could reasonably be considered to make the Director or Officer an "Interested Director" or "Interested Officer," as defined above.

5.3 With respect to any particular matter then pending before the Corporation, each Director and Officer shall disclose to the Conflicts Committee any relationship or other factor that could reasonably be considered to cause the Director or Officer to be considered to be an "Interested Person," as defined above.

5.4 For purposes of this section, Officers of the Corporation need not disclose compensation and other benefits paid to the Officer by the Corporation pursuant to Board resolution.

6. Disclosure by Supporting Organization

Members of or participants in Supporting Organization councils must disclose conflicts of interest or other financial interests in matters within the scope of the Supporting Organization in the manner required by the Bylaws of the Supporting Organization.

7. Procedures in Connection with Proposed Transactions and Arrangements

7.1 Scope. This section applies to any proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement in which a Director, Officer, or Interested Person has a material financial interest.

7.2 Duty to Disclose. In connection with any actual or possible conflicts of interest, an Interested Director or Interested Officer must disclose the existence and nature of his of her material financial interest to the Conflicts Committee prior to the consideration of the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement by the Board or any Committee of the Board.

7.3 Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists. After disclosure of the financial interest, the disinterested members of the Conflicts Committee shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists. Neither the Board nor any Committee of the Board shall vote upon any proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement in connection with which an actual or possible conflict of interest has been disclosed by an Interested Director until such time as the Conflicts Committee has addressed the actual or possible conflict of interest. For matters pending before the full Board of Directors, a referral to the Conflicts Committee will not be required where the Interested Director fully discloses to the Board his or her financial interest and abstains from participation in the Board's consideration of the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement.

7.4 Procedures for Addressing a Conflict of Interest

7.4.1 Where a matter has been referred to the Conflicts Committee and the Conflicts Committee has concluded that a conflict of interest exists, the chairman of the Board or Committee of the Board shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction, contract, or arrangement.

7.4.2 After exercising due diligence, the Board or Committee shall determine whether the Corporation can obtain a more advantageous transaction, contract, or arrangement with reasonable efforts from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.

7.4.3 If a more advantageous transaction, contract, or other arrangement is not reasonably attainable under circumstances that would not give rise to a conflict of interest, the Board or Committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested Directors whether the transaction, contract, or arrangement is in the Corporation's best interest and for its own benefit and whether it is fair and reasonable to the Corporation, and shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction, contract, or arrangement in conformity with such determination.

8. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy

8.1 If the Conflicts Committee has reasonable cause to believe that a Director or Officer has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall inform the Director or Officer of the basis for such belief and afford the Director or Officer an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.

8.2 If, after hearing the response of the Director or Officer and making such further investigation as may be warranted in the circumstances, the Conflicts Committee determines that the member has in fact failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall recommend to the Board of Directors appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

8.3 The violation of this conflicts of interest policy is a serious matter and may constitute "cause" for removal or termination of a Director or Officer, or the termination of any contractual relationship the Corporation may have with an Interested Person or other party.

9. Records of Proceedings

9.1 The minutes of the Conflicts Committee shall contain:

(a) The names of Directors and Officers found to have a material financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest; the nature of the financial interest; any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present; and the decision of the Conflicts Committee as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.

(b) The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the actual or potential conflict of interest; the content of the discussion; and a record of any votes taken in connection therewith.

9.2 In connection with a conflict of interest, the minutes of the Board or other Committee of the Board shall contain the names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement; the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement; and a record of any votes taken in connection therewith.

10. Compensation Committees

A member of any Committee of the Board the jurisdiction of which includes compensation matters and who receives compensation from the Corporation for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member's compensation.

11. Annual Statements

Each Director and Officer shall annually sign a statement which affirms that such person:

(a) Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy;

(b) Has read and understands the policy;

(c) Has agreed to comply with the policy; and

(d) Understands that the Corporation is a charitable organization and that in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.

12. Periodic Reviews

The Conflicts Committee shall periodically consider whether and how this Conflicts of Interest Policy should be revised or amended to better meet its objectives. In connection with any periodic review conducted by the Corporation to ensure that it operates in a manner consistent with its charitable purposes, the Conflicts Committee shall report on the matters referred to it and their resolution.

Denise Michel
ICANN
Advisor to the President
denise.michel@icann.org
+1.408.429.3072 mobile
+1.310.578.8632 direct