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==ICANN Involvement==

==ICANN Involvement==

Michael Roberts was elected by the Interim [[ICANN Board]] as Interim President and CEO because of his extensive experience and involvement in the networking industry and non-government organizations. In 1999, [[Esther Dyson]], [[ICANN]]'s Interim Chairman described Roberts by stating that:<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/icann-pr26oct98.htm ICANN Elects Board and Appoints Interim President]</ref>

Michael Roberts was appointed by the Initial members of the [[ICANN Board]] as Interim President and CEO as the new private non-profit corporation takes over the management of the Domain Name System ([[DNS]]) from the United States government.[[Esther Dyson]], [[ICANN]]'s Interim Chairman explained that Roberts is very much qualified for the position because of his extensive background and experience in the networking industry and his involvement in various non-government organization. Dyson said, ''"His reputation and credibility will be important assets for ICANN. He knows most of the relevant people and organizations worldwide, but he is known for being nonpartisan."'' <ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/icann-pr26oct98.htm ICANN Elects Board and Appoints Interim President]</ref>

''"Mike's long background in the networking field, and particularly his experience in starting up significant non-profit organizations in this field, are particularly applicable to what ICANN will need as it completes its initial organizational efforts. His reputation and credibility will be important assets for ICANN. He knows most of the relevant people and organizations worldwide, but he is known for being nonpartisan."''

During Roberts term as Interim President and CEO, he worked with the initial ICANN Board to establish short and long term mechanism for ICANN's funding, organize the staff and support for ICANN activities,quickly establish ways to make the new internet governing body accessible to the global internet community. Roberts and the initial members of the Board also created the specific terms of the transition agreement between ICANN and the Department of Commerce as well as the policies and procedures regarding ICANN's final membership structure, election of Board members, recognition and certification of the specialized Supporting Organizations for Addresses, Protocols, and Domain Names. He was also responsible in communicating and representing ICANN to the different organizations and internet stake holders. In July 28, 1999, Roberts testified before the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property about the relationship between Internet domain names and intellectual property rights.During his testimony Roberts informed the Congress that the ICANN Board started considering the recommendations stated in the Final Report of the World Intellectual Property Organization ([[WIPO]])trademark/domain name dispute resolutions. He informed the US Congress that WIPO recommendations regarding domain name registration procedures have already been incorporated in the ICANN-Registrar Accreditation Agreement([[RAA]]). Furthermore, informed the Congress that the Domain Name Supporting Organization was instituted to handle the evaluation of policies related in creating a uniform dispute resolution policy for domain names.<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/correspondence/roberts-testimony-28jul99.htm Testimony of Michael M. Roberts Before U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property, 28 July 1999]</ref>

==References==

==References==