[cabfpub] Observers

[kirk_hall at trendmicro.com]

As I recall, the main reason some Forum members wanted an IPR policy in the first place was to avoid "submarining" - a member making suggestions that go into mandatory standards, then claiming IP rights, etc.

To my mind, there is a bigger danger from allowing CAs to participate as "observers" without signing the IPR than there is for other necessary experts (e.g., auditors).  As I know from AffirmTrust's experience as an observer, observers contribute ideas and suggestions just as freely as members.

So the danger of submarining exists if CAs are allowed in as observers without signing the IPR.  In contrast, non-CA observers who don't sign the IPR are somewhat less likely to contribute their IP and then claim infringement.  I would not open up the whole Forum to CAs who won't sign the IPR.

I would not object to letting CAs who won't sign the IPR participate in the IPR working group if that will lead to a solution that lets them sign an IPR and rejoin the Forum.

From: public-bounces at cabforum.org [mailto:public-bounces at cabforum.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy Rowley
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2012 1:27 AM
To: public at cabforum.org
Subject: [cabfpub] Observers

Hi everyone,

As mentioned on yesterday's call, I think the Forum should grant an exemption to the IPR for invited observers.  Primarily, I'd like Entrust to have an effective way to participate in the IPR working group and re-include both WebTrust and ETSI in the telephone and face-to-face discussions.  Input from the auditors is essential in creating requirements that apply to all CAs. Similarly, the revocation working group has received significant contributions from academia representatives.  We'd like to continue receiving their insight.

Below is a proposed set of observer rules that permit an exemption to the IPR for limited participants.  These rules and the observer role are temporary and are only intended to stay in effect until the Forum has  finished its governance reform.  At that point, the adopted governance proposal's rules on observers will take effect.

I'm looking for additional input on the proposal and a second endorser.

Thanks,
Jeremy


OBSERVER STATUS

1.    Observer Qualifications for Participation

b.    Observer status is provided on a discretionary basis to entities that the voting members believe have either an expertise relevant to the industry or a material interest in the work product of the CA/Browser Forum (e.g., an organization that is highly impacted by the use of digital certificates).

c.    Observers are exempt from the Forum's Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) requirements.

2.    Approval of Observer Status

a.    Observer status is approved using an operational ballot that occurs only after the CA/Browser Forum has received and evaluated an application for participation.  The CA/Browser Forum may refuse to grant Observer Status for any legitimate reason.

b.    The CAB Forum will revoke Observer status if the CA/Browser Forum, through an operational ballot, determines that an organization no longer qualifies for Observer status.

3.    Observer Participation

a.    Observers may not make, endorse, or vote on ballots, and their participation does not count towards quorum.

b.    Observers may attend teleconferences and face-to-face meetings, receive emails from the Forum, contribute to discussions with relevant factual information, and comment on CA/Browser Forum proposals prior to final balloting.  Observers may also access, but may not edit or modify, CA/Browser Forum documentation and wiki pages.

c.    An Observer may not post comments that are in opposition or support of a ballot after the ballot's voting period begins.  However, Observers may continue to comment on typographical, grammar, syntax, spelling, technical errors, and inaccuracies.

d.    An Observer shall protect communication from and documents provided by the CA/Browser Forum as confidential information.

e.    The CA/Browser Forum may set additional limitations on an Observer's ability to participate in the Forum, including limiting an Observer's participation to specific working groups and establishing a set date for when the Observer's participation ends.

4.    Revocation of Observer Status.  The CA/Browser Forum may revoke, suspend, un-suspend, or reinstate an organization's Observer status for any legitimate reason using an operational ballot.


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