On Feb 1, 2012, at 10:16 AM, George Bonser wrote:

>>>> "We have a contractual relationship with our customer to announce
>>>> that space.  We have neither a contractual relationship (in this
>>>> context) with the RIR nor the RIR's customer.  The RIR and/or the RIR's
>>>> customer should resolve this issue with our customer."
>>> Contracts are generally not a valid reason to be breaking laws.
>> Which law?
> Let's say I had a business in space in a building I was leasing at 100 Main 
> Street, Podunk, USA.

I'm told IP addresses aren't property.

> Or let's say I operated a TV station

As I understand it, radio frequencies are subject to international treaties. In 
signatory countries, laws can be enacted to enforce the provisions of those 
treaties. As far as I'm aware, there are no treaties dealing with IP addresses 
or how those addresses are announced.

> It might be civil rather than criminal but the rightful owner of the resource 
> would have a good case.

"Owner"?

Long ago, Mitch Kapor (I believe) described the Internet addressing system 
working because of the "Tinkerbelle Effect", that is (to paraphase), it works 
because everyone believes it is in their best interests that it works.  
However, as we've seen when push comes to shove, the Tinkerbelle Effect can 
break down.  Thus, you get perfectly justifiable arguments for stuff like 
RPKI/BGPSEC and the equivalent of the Protocol Police.  This does have the 
potential for unintended (and intended) consequences...

Regards,
-drc


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