Changes

{{People

{{People

|portrait  = Kpbored.Jpg

|region=North America

|caricature = KurtPritzCaricature.jpg

|country=USA

|country   = USA

|linkedin=https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kurt-pritz/12/98/838

|userbox={{Template:UBX-ICANNSTAFF-P}}<br>{{Template:UBX-CARDSSEN}}<br>{{Template:UBX-CARD49}}{{Template:UBX-GNSO-C}}

|linkedin   = [http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kurt-pritz/12/98/838 kurt-pritz]

|userbox     = {{Template:SENUBX}}

}}

}}

'''Kurt Pritz''' is a practicing attorney and the Chief of Strategy at [[ICANN]]. He was appointed to this role, moving on from his prior role as Senior Vice President, when ICANN's newest CEO, [[Fadi Chehadé]], assumed his position on September 14, 2012. In his prior role, Kurt Pritz oversaw the vitality of the [[Multistakeholder Model]], stakeholder relations, and also the [[New gTLD Program]]. These responsibilities seem to have been split up by President Chehadé.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-14sep12-en.htm Announcement 14 Sep 12, ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[http://icann.org/en/general/staff.html ICANN.org]</ref> His high-profile work has included representing ICANN at judicial and legal hearings in Washington, D.C..<ref>[http://domainincite.com/the-10-dumbest-moments-from-that-new-tlds-congressional-hearing/, the 10 Dumbest Moments for that New TLDs Congressional HEaring, DomainIncite.com]</ref>

'''Kurt Pritz''' is a licensed attorney, with experience in ICANN and the domain name industry.  Kurt is currently a member of the Strategic Planning Board at UK Creative Ideas, operator of the .ART domain registry. In that role, Kurt provided operational and policy guidance during the launch of the .ART registry and teamed with .ART Founder Ulvi Kasimov and other .ART team members in the launch of Art Digital Twin, an innovative domain name product incorporating additional registration data fields dedicated to the identification of art objects, the Getty Trust standard for identifying art objects and elements of a blockchain and Industry 4.0.

Prior to joining [[ICANN]], Pritz was the Vice President of Production at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he directed the manufacturing and engineering of theme park shows worldwide. He has also worked as a plant manager for the Eaton Corporation.<ref>[http://www.domainfest.com/SantaMonica2010/experts domainfest.com]</ref>

Kurt is the former Executive Director of the [[Domain Name Association]] (DNA),<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20131118_former_icann_executive_kurt_pritz_joins_domain_name_association/ Circle Id]</ref> holding the position from November 2013-October 2015.<ref>[http://domainnamewire.com/2015/10/01/kurt-pritz-resigns-from-domain-name-association/ DomainNameWire]</ref>

He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Physics, an M.B.A. and a J.D.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/biog/pritz.htm icann.org]</ref>

 

 

He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Physics, an M.B.A. and a J.D., and licensed to practice law in the State of California. <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/biog/pritz.htm icann.org]</ref>

==Role within ICANN==

==Role within ICANN==

Kurt was appointed as a Vice President of ICANN in September 2003. He was promoted as Senior Vice President for Stakeholder Relations on December 2006.<ref>[http://www.domainsget.info/tag/kurt-pritz/ domainsget.info]</ref> As VP for Stakeholder Relations, Kurt serves as spokesperson of the internet body on different issues particularly the ICANN [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. He led the coordination of multiple public consultations regarding the program until it was approved and implemented by the [[ICANN Board]]. Kurt continues to provide information, presentations, answers questions and discusses issues related to the new gTLD program as they arise in different events such as the [[.nxt]] conference.<ref>[http://dot-nxt.com/agenda/wed/keynote Keynote: Kurt Pritz]</ref>

Kurt Pritz was appointed as a Vice President of ICANN in September 2003. He was promoted to Senior Vice President for Stakeholder Relations in December, 2006.<ref>[http://www.domainsget.info/tag/kurt-pritz/ domainsget.info]</ref> As VP for Stakeholder Relations, Kurt served as spokesperson for the organization on a variety of issues, perhaps most notably its [[New gTLD Program|new gTLD program]]. He led the coordination of multiple public consultations regarding the program until it was approved and implemented by the [[ICANN Board]]. Kurt continues to provide information, presentations, answer questions and discusses issues related to the new gTLD program as they arise in different events such as the [[.nxt]] conference, and congressional hearings.<ref>[http://dot-nxt.com/agenda/wed/keynote Keynote: Kurt Pritz]</ref>

In March 2012, during the [[GNSO]] Council meeting at [[ICANN 43]] in Costa Rica, Kurt informed the community that the ICANN Board plans to implement the "Target Time Variance" (secondary time stamp) system in determining how each new gTLD application will be grouped into batches. According to him an applicant will pick his or her "target time" to process the application at the TLD Application System ([[TAS]]) then click the submit button. The application batches will be divided based on the fastest applicant down to the slowest from each of five ICANN geographic regions in a round robin method. He also said the applicants will have the opportunity to try out the system to determine and adjust their response time. He also explained that random selection is not feasible because of legal issues.<ref>[http://domainincite.com/heres-how-new-gtld-batching-will-work/ Here’s how new gTLD batching will work]</ref> The target time variance, which was described by Kurt which will be used in the [[Batching|batching]] process was officially approved and named by the ICANN Board as "digital archery" on March 28, 2012.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/documents/resolutions-28mar12-en.htm Batching of New gTLD Applications: Secondary Timestamp]</ref>

Prior to the opening of the applications for the new gTLD program on January 12, 2012, Kurt announced that ICANN might release a new separate guidebook for the newly developed Applicant Support program to supplement the [[Applicant Guidebook]]. He explained that a number of questions and requests for clarifications on some points in the guidebook were received and responded to by ICANN's customer service center. He said,  ''"We will summarize those clarifications in one document – that might be an Advisory or in the form of an updated Guidebook. In either case, the positions of applicants will not be affected as the information will repeat that in previously answered questions."''<ref>[http://domainincite.com/icann-confirms-possible-new-applicant-guidebook/ ICANN confirms possible new Applicant Guidebook]</ref>

Prior to the opening of the applications for the new gTLD program on January 12, 2012, Kurt announced that ICANN might release a new separate guidebook for the newly developed Applicant Support program to supplement [[Applicant Guidebook]]. He explained that a number of questions and requests for clarifications on some points in the guidebook were received and responded by ICANN's customer service center. He said,  ''"We will summarize those clarifications in one document – that might be an Advisory or in the form of an updated Guidebook. In either case, the positions of applicants will not be affected as the information will repeat that in previously answered questions."''<ref>[http://domainincite.com/icann-confirms-possible-new-applicant-guidebook/ ICANN confirms possible new Applicant Guidebook]</ref>

Prior to his work on the new gTLD program, Kurt solidified ICANN's finances by renegotiating agreements with ICANN's accredited registrars and several of the large registry operators. He also led the delivery of several milestones listed in successive MoUs between the US Dept. of Commerce and ICANN, paving the way for ICANN's eventual independence from the USG.

<videoflash>5WicJI0jzK4</videoflash>

On  December  8, 2011, Kurt Pritz served as one of the witnesses during the U.S. Senate Hearing on ICANN's new gTLD  Program. He strongly defended the program against its critics, including the [[Association of National Advertisers]], and its anti-TLD off-shoot, [[CRIDO]]. <ref>[http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2131227/icann-attacks-opponents-gtlds-senate-hearing Icann attacks opponents of new gTLDs at Senate hearing]</ref>

He also attended a similar hearing conducted by the House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on December 14.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20111214_icann_asked_to_delay_new_gtld_expansion_house_of_representatives/ ICANN Asked to Delay New gTLD Expansion Program at the House of Representatives Committee Hearing]</ref>

<videoflash>H56DV_2xhaE</videoflash>

During the Senate hearing, Kurt provided the members of the Senate committee on Commerce Science and Transportation a detailed testimony regarding the program. He highlighted the fact that '''it took seven years for the Internet community to develop the program through a careful, transparent and inclusive discussions and debates.''' He emphasized that ICANN received "2400 public comments from 47 extended comment periods that resulted in over 1,400 pages of comment summary and analysis, formation of ten independent expert working groups, and 59 explanatory memoranda and independent reports." He also pointed out that world-class experts on [[Intellectual Property|intellectual property]], economics and Internet security were involved in the development process to ensure adequate protection and solutions for trademark holders, which were in turn reviewed and examined by the Internet community and governments. He also pointed out the members of the Senate that ICANN is committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to protect consumers. He repeated Sec. [[Lawrence Strickling|Larry Stricking]]'s statement regarding the role of the [[Multistakeholder Model|multistakeholder process]] in developing the new gTLD program;'''"The multistakeholder process does not guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with the outcome. But it is critical to preserving the model of Internet governance that has been so successful to date that all parties respect and work through the process and accept the outcome once a decision is reached."'''<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2011/12/carefully-constructed-new-gtld-program-moves-forward/ Carefully Constructed New gTLD Program Moves Forward]</ref>

<videoflash>ZNF7gyDYnjM</videoflash>

During the hearing in the House of Representatives, Kurt repeated to the members of the subcommittee on Communications and Technology that the program took seven-years of hard work from the Internet community to develop. He emphasized that the expansion of new TLDs is a measured rolled out with  much better trademark protection mechanisms, that will create more jobs and promote competition and innovation. In his testimony, he sent a message to the Congress and to the critics of the program that the Internet governing body had no intention of delaying its implementation which was scheduled for January 12, 2012.<ref>[http://republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/Media/file/Hearings/Telecom/121411/Pritz.pdf TESTIMONY OF KURT PRITZ, SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY, HEARING ON ICANN’s TOP LEVEL DOMAIN NAME PROGRAM]</ref>

<videoflash>Zlmz8IoesQE</videoflash>

In 2010,  HostExploit, an anti-malware research group accused [[eNom]], an ICANN accredited registrar, of hosting an unusually large number of malicious websites and called it the preferred registrar for pharmaceutical spammers. The group also accused the company's domain name resellers of violating ICANN rules by allowing registrants to provide inaccurate information in the [[Whois]] database. In response to the issue, Kurt informed the research group that ICANN will investigate the issue.<ref>[http://www.itpro.co.uk/626284/enom-accused-of-being-number-one-for-malware-sites eNom accused of being number one for malware sites]</ref> <ref>[http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9181278/ICANN_asks_Demand_Media_for_answers_after_report ICANN asks Demand Media for answers after report]</ref>

 

<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-27apr07-en.htm Court Decision Allows Imminent Termination of RegisterFly | ICANN granted the right to act on transfers as soon as possible; plan in action]</ref>

==Congressional Hearings on New gTLD==

==Interview at [[ICANN 48]]==

On  December  8, 2011, Kurt Pritz served as one of the witnesses during Senate Hearing on ICANN's new gTLD  Program. He strongly defended the program against its critics including the [[Association of National Advertisers]], and its anti-TLD off-shoot, [[CRIDO]]. <ref>[http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/2131227/icann-attacks-opponents-gtlds-senate-hearing Icann attacks opponents of new gTLDs at Senate hearing]</ref>

Pritz was interviewed by ICANNWiki at ICANN48.

He also attended a similar hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee- Subcommittee on Communications and Technology on December 14.<ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20111214_icann_asked_to_delay_new_gtld_expansion_house_of_representatives/ ICANN Asked to Delay New gTLD Expansion Program at the House of Representatives Committee Hearing]</ref>

During the Senate hearing, Kurt provided the members of the Senate committee on Commerce Science and Transportation a detailed testimony regarding the program. He highlighted the fact that '''it took seven years for the internet community to develop the program through a careful, transparent and inclusive discussions and debates.''' He emphasized that ICANN received "2400 public comments from 47 extended comment periods that resulted in over 1400 pages of comment summary and analysis, formation of ten independent expert working groups, and 59 explanatory memoranda and independent reports." He also pointed out that world-class experts on intellectual property, economics and Internet security were involved in the development process to ensure a more enhanced protection and solutions for trademark holders, which were reviewed and examined by the internet community and governments. He also pointed out the members of the Senate that ICANN is committed to work closely with law enforcement agencies to protect consumers. He repeated Sec. [[Lawrence Strickling|Larry Stricking]]'s statement regarding the [[Multistakeholder Model|multistakeholder process]] in developing the new gTLD program that,'''"The multistakeholder process does not guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with the outcome. But it is critical to preserving the model of Internet governance that has been so successful to date that all parties respect and work through the process and accept the outcome once a decision is reached."'''<ref>[http://blog.icann.org/2011/12/carefully-constructed-new-gtld-program-moves-forward/ Carefully Constructed New gTLD Program Moves Forward]</ref>

==Videos Related to New gTLDs==

During the hearing in the hearing in the House of Representatives, Kurt repeated to the members of the Sub-committee on Communications and Technology the seven-years hard work of the internet community in developing the program. He emphasized that the expansion of new TLDs is a measured rolled out with  much better trademark protection mechanisms, it will create more jobs, promote competition and innovation. In his testimony, he sent a message to the Congress and to the critics of the program that the internet governing body has no intention of delaying its implementation which was scheduled on January 12, 2012.<ref>[http://republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/Media/file/Hearings/Telecom/121411/Pritz.pdf TESTIMONY OF KURT PRITZ, SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY, HEARING ON ICANN’s TOP LEVEL DOMAIN NAME PROGRAM]</ref>

{{#ev:youtube|5WicJI0jzK4}}

{{#ev:youtube|H56DV_2xhaE}}

In 2010,  HostExploit, an anti-malware research group accused eNom, an ICANN accredited registrar for hosting an unusually large number of malicious websites and the preferred registrar for pharmaceutical spammers. The group also accused the company's domain name resellers of violating ICANN rules by allowing registrants to provide inaccurate information in the [[Whois]] data base. In response to the issue, Kurt informed the research group that ICANN will investigate the issue. eNom will be asked to provide its response to the accusations and appropriate actions will be done.<ref>[http://www.itpro.co.uk/626284/enom-accused-of-being-number-one-for-malware-sites eNom accused of being number one for malware sites]</ref> <ref>[http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9181278/ICANN_asks_Demand_Media_for_answers_after_report ICANN asks Demand Media for answers after report]</ref>

{{#ev:youtube|ZNF7gyDYnjM}}

[https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:P_P1ExgIsjIJ:www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/registerfly-notice-of-breach-21feb07-en.pdf+Top+Class+Names+Inc.+RAA&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgH57nVpMQiHXyZDoYjY7ReVFCednDh4z_9zSiMDnrZI2rF4UgZunZHxbA_t2PfjVFpHWmkmDpc40a4ZLKVMn2nJFj_7hZDfTW-NEqJhVro2lRnNCNn5mwIDJ6TOMC9BI6JgP0Z&sig=AHIEtbQRJEunaR5EDFvFw3JFjiIAbOiO4Q Notice of Breach of ICANN Registrar Accreditation Agreement]</ref> He also sent a Notice of Audit to the company that ICANN will inspect and get a complete copy of the data of all the domain names under its sponsorship. Due to the company's non-compliance, Kurt requested its counsel to send a second Notice of Breach and eventually ICANN filed a lawsuit against the company. On March 28, 2007, Kurt submiited a detailed declaration to the court about RegisterFly's violations of the RAA, which affected thousand of customers.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/litigation/icann-v-registerfly/decla-pritz-iso-29mar07-en  Declaration of Kurt Pritz in Support of ICANN’s Application for TRO, 29 March 2007]</ref> ICANN terminated the company accreditation immediately after a court order.

<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/announcements/announcement-27apr07-en.htm Court Decision Allows Imminent Termination of RegisterFly | ICANN granted the right to act on transfers as soon as possible; plan in action]</ref>

== References ==

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

[[Category:USA]]

[[Category:USA]]

[[Category:ICANN Staff]]

[[Category:Former ICANN Staff]]