On Mon, Aug 7, 2017 at 3:16 PM, Mike Rodenbaugh <mike@rodenbaugh.com> wrote:
I agree with Jeff's proposal that ICANN be required to make a good faith application for OFAC license whenever it is necessary to fulfill the purpose of registry and/or registrar agreements. And I support his 2d question, requesting details.
Note that OFAC doesn't just hamper registries and registrars located or formed in sanctioned countries, but also registries and registrars with officers, directors or significant shareholders from any of the sanctioned countries (regardless where the business is located or formed). Note further that OFAC licenses are time-limited, requiring periodic reapplication. And ICANN legal has told me that they were not required to seek an OFAC license for my client, even though that client had executed registry agreements with ICANN. I disputed that, and they got the license; but there is no guarantee they will seek it again when it expires, even though the registries are live.
I can't see any good reason why ICANN should not be required at least to make a good faith effort to get a license. It seems at least to be implied in the registry agreement anyway, via the covenant of good faith and fair dealing inherent in every contract (at least under California law). If ICANN refused to seek a license, it would frustrate the purpose of the entire agreement.