ICANN/DNSO

Working Group B - Famous Trade-Marks 
     Subject: WG-B: Famous Marks

     I have received numerous requests from people interested in
     participating in Working Group B (WG B) on Famous Marks
     (Chapter 4 of the WIPO Final Report).

     Although WG B has not yet been formally organized by the
     Names Council (NC), nor has a chairperson been selected, in
     the interests of moving forward in a timely manner and
     concurrently responding to all those who have volunteered
     their assistance to date, I would like to informally get the
     ball rolling.

     Having just tried to co-chair WG-A without formal procedures
     in place, and in a very short time frame, I note that it is
     extremely difficult to coordinate a number of people around
     the world and proceed in a constructive manner in those
     circumstances.  At the last NC meeting, there were
     volunteers to produce some WG guidelines, and the deadline
     for this drafting committee is July 15, 1999.  Hopefully
     these guidelines will facilitate the work of WG B when they
     become available.

     Until then, and before we start working, I call upon you for
     some suggestions as to WG B process.  I believe that if we
     take a little time to think out in advance how we will
     conduct this WG, it will produce a much better result.  I
     am asking people for any suggestions they may have on the
     following:

     1)    any aspect of the question of Famous Marks which
     should be considered by WG B;

     2)    what organizations, groups, individuals, experts, or
     other resources etc. should be consulted and invited to
     provide input, in order to result in as comprehensive a work
     product as possible in the time available.  For example,
     WIPO's SCT on Famous Marks which had representatives from
     most countries participating in consultations over a couple
     of years and which has recently reached some modest
     conclusions on this issue.  Undoubtedly, a number of good
     articles have been written in various countries in recent
     years as well.

     3)  Administrative issues:  My associate, Dr. Victoria
     Carrington, has spoken to at least two of you who had good
     suggestions regarding the administration of wg-b mailing
     lists and methods of ensuring that communication among WG-B
     members and any others that are interested in participating
     occurs smoothly.  Please feel free to share any ideas you
     may have in this respect.

     I look forward to receiving your thoughts and comments (and
     constructive criticism - I'm still bleeding from WG-A) at
     your convenience.  Please also advise if you do NOT wish to
     participate in this WG, so that we can remove your name from
     the list and avoid sending superfluous messages.  I also
     wish to state that every effort has been made to include
     everyone on this list who has responded to date.  If you did
     forward your name to us at some point, but are receiving
     this by having it passed on to you, rather than directly,
     please resend your details and accept our apologies for the
     inadvertant omission.

     Best regards,

     Jonathan Cohen

     --
     Shapiro Cohen
     Group of Intellectual Property Practices
     Ottawa, Canada

     Telephone: (613)232-5300
     Facsimile: (613) 563-9231
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