Re: Current iTLDs

["Perry E. Metzger" <perry@piermont.com>]

Ron Fitzherbert writes:
> Maybe someone here can help me understand what **could** be done to the
> current iTLDs as a result of this process (the answer should be in an
> unlitigated legal sense): (and then another question at the end)
> 
> Who actually "owns" the .COM/.ORG/.NET 'domains'?

No one owns top level domains. They are a public resource.

Quoting RFC1591

      Concerns about "rights" and "ownership" of domains are
      inappropriate.  It is appropriate to be concerned about
      "responsibilities" and "service" to the community.

> Does the InterNIC contract between NSF/NSI allow NSI to add new domains?

NSI is not authorized to add top level domains.

> Also, forgetting about RFCs for the moment, does anyone know what the
> technical limits are on TLD and/or secondary name length (if there is a
> techincal limit)?

See the RFCs for the DNS.

Perry
PS Speaking, as always, for myself and not for the IAHC