Manwin Announces Intent to Sue ICM Registry Over .XXX

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL—Sources have told AVN that Manwin has filed a lawsuit in federal court against ICM Registry, the operators of the .xxx top-level domain, alleging anti-trust violations related to controversial TLD, but we are waiting to confirm that the suit has actually been filed. Sources also tell AVN that ICM has been served, but that is apparently not the case. We are waiting to receive a copy of the complaint to learn if there are any other defendants included in the lawsuit. AVN has received the following initial email response from ICM Registry’s Greg Dumas. “I thought it was important to proactively send you an email about how our public relations company alerted us to the probable filing today of an anti-trust lawsuit by Manwin against both ICM Registry and ICANN in conjunction with the .XXX domain name,” states the email. “Perhaps Manwin filed this lawsuit because they are worried that ICM Registry is creating opportunities for others in the adult industry to have a fair chance to build great brands and businesses in the new .XXX space.   “As we have proved time and again,” the email continues, “ICM Registry has taken extensive measures to ensure it is being launched in the most lawful and responsible possible way. ICM Registry will vigorously defend their position against any meritless claims such as this one. We interpret this lawsuit as Manwin's attempt to flex their muscles and may be a part of a much bigger strategy. It's also important to know that we had been previously engaged in negotiations with Manwin on domain names and other things that they had requested.  I'd think a phone call would have worked just as well because litigation is never a good for anyone.” ICM Registry also has informed AVN that is has not been served. AVN will update this story as it develops.