Introduction to the IPC

1.What does IPC stand for?  -  Community Overview

The Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC) represents the views and interests of owners of intellectual property worldwide, with a particular emphasis on trademark, copyright, and related intellectual property rights and their effect and interaction with the DNS. The IPC also reflects the interests and concerns of consumers who depend on strong intellectual property protections as an essential element of consumer confidence, consumer trust and consumer protection.

2. What is the role of this community in ICANN?

The IPC is one of the constituencies of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO), charged with the responsibility of advising the ICANN Board on policy issues relating to the management of the domain name system.

The IPC participates in the policy development process of ICANN through membership in working groups, providing public comments on policy recommendations and providing information to the ICANN community, including the GNSO and the ICANN Board, on intellectual property law and the concerns of the IP community.

3. Where does the IPC fit within the ICANN structure?

The Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC) is one of three constituencies in the GNSO’s  Commercial Stakeholder Group (CSG), along with the Business Constituency (BC) and the Internet Service Providers and Connectivity Providers Constituency (ISPCP).

The Constituencies of the CSG work together to protect the varied interests of the private sector. The IPC has been at the forefront of global advocacy efforts for transparency and accountability in the DNS, in support of protection and enforcement of trademark and copyright rights online.

4. Community Governance

The IPC officers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the IPC. Together with the IPC’s GNSO Councilors, they form the IPC Leadership. The President, with the advice and consent of the other IPC officers, appoints IPC representatives to all ICANN designated committees and task forces. Decisions of the IPC officers are taken by consensus, or where consensus cannot be achieved, by a simple majority of officers at meetings or by correspondence.

5.    Membership

Who can become a member of the IPC ?

The IPC membership consists of organizations and individuals:

• committed to the advocacy and development of intellectual property as fundamental components of meaningful commercial activity in the national, regional, and global realms;
• who are primarily and substantially involved in the field of intellectual property; who make a substantial contribution (through their members or otherwise) to the field of intellectual property.

5.1 Categories of Membership

 The categories of membership are:

• Category 3: International intellectual property organizations.
• Category 2: Local, state or purely national intellectual property organizations.
• Category 1A: a company, firm, or organization, which does not fulfill the requirement for category 2 or category 3 membership, but has a demonstrated interest in the protection of intellectual property.
• Category 1B: an individual who has a demonstrated interest in the protection of intellectual property. 

5.2 What is the process of becoming a member?

1. Potential applicants should complete the IPC application form publicly available on the IPC website at: ipconstituency.org/join-the-ipc
2. In applying for membership an applicant agrees to abide by the written rules and regulations, including charters and bylaws, of the Constituency and terms and conditions laid down by it.
3. All applications for membership are reviewed by the IPC Membership Committee and approved by the IPC’s Leadership.

5.3 Does membership cost anything?

Each member pays annual dues, which vary depending on the Category of membership.  Financial assistance may be available.

5.4 What are the benefits of becoming a member?

As a member of the Intellectual Property Constituency, you will be able to shape and influence ICANN policies relating to the DNS, protecting the interests and concerns of intellectual property stakeholders – creators, owners, distributors and consumers. You will also gain unique insights into the changing roles of the Internet, DNS and ICANN in society.  Furthermore, you will be in a community dedicated to intellectual property issues, supporting you in your professional and personal development. 

6.    Participation

 6.1 What are the different ways to participate in the work of this community?

All IPC members receive information on the constituency’s activities via email list and through monthly calls. Members are expected to comment on the topics discussed and/or to initiate other discussions. IPC members are encouraged to join Working Groups established by the GNSO for policy development and other working groups, review teams and committees established within ICANN. Members are also encouraged to take part in different committees and task forces, which are established to address specific issues of IPC interest.

6.2 ICANN Meeting Participation

ICANN meetings are held three times each year in different regions of the globe to enable attendees from around the world to participate in person. One meeting each year is also the organization's annual general meeting, during which new Board members take their seats. 

ICANN meetings are free and have three formats: (A) Community Forum, (B) Policy Forum and (C) Annual General Meeting. More information is available here: meetings.icann.org/en/future-meeting-strategy

ICANN meetings offer the best opportunity for face-to-face discussions and airing of opinions among knowledgeable people dedicated to the continued stable and secure operation of the Internet through a variety of topical sessions and open forums.

Remote participation is offered using several tools such as web conferencing software, streaming live audio and video, chatrooms, and online question boxes.

Detailed logistics and information about meeting venue, registration, and remote participation can be found through meetings.icann.org/en/ at the dedicated subsite created for each meeting.

ICANN’s Fellowship program supports participation at ICANN meetings by selecting individuals representing all sectors of engagement from around the world: icann.org/fellowshipprogram.

 7.  Tools Facilitating Your IPC Onboarding

Each new IPC member is strongly advised to make use of the existing ICANN Learn platform: learn.icann.org

 1. Entry Level:

1. 1. ICANN and Internet Ecosystem
   2. ICANN Mission, Bylaws
   3. Mltistakeholder Model Process
   4. Communities of ICANN

 2. Intermediate Level:

1. 1. Policy Making
   2. Technical Components
   3. Security Components
   4. Communities of ICANN

 3.  Advanced Level:

1. 1. Review Process
   2. Working Group Participation
   3. Leadership Development
   4. Communities of ICANN

8. Stay in touch with IPC

Web: ipconstituency.org

Email: info@ipconstituency.org

Twitter: @IPConstituency

9. Your onboarding support

Participation Coordinator: Brian Scarpelli

IPC Outreach team:

• Greg Shatan
• Steve Metalitz
• Aleksandar Icokaev
• Charne Le Roux
• Dusan Popovic