For the market to handle the expected trading volume and more firmly establish itself as an effective means of globally re-distributing unused IP numbers, it must provide for greater trading transparency and security.

A more accurate registry would reliably establish the rightful holders of IP address blocks, allowing buyers to act more confidently, drive out registry scamming, and reduce the time and effort necessary to set aside unmarketable blocks.  A globally accepted dispute resolution process created and administered by the Internet community through its existing governance institutions (such as ICANN) would protect a purchaser’s exclusive rights over an IP number block and provide greater security to market participants. In this Network World article, Avenue4's Marc Lindsey contemplates a way forward. Read More