ICM Registry Taps New Legal Counsel

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — .XXX operator ICM Registry has tapped the law firm of Gordon & Rees as its new legal counsel. 

ICM, which previously employed the national law firm WilmerHale for outside legal work, decided on the move after WilmerHale's Becky Burr, known as "ICANN's Godmother," moved over to Internet firm Neustar Inc. as deputy general counsel.

Stuart Lawley, ICM's chief executive, said that upon review of a number of  prominent firms, Gordon & Rees appeared to be the best fit for "ICM’s sophisticated business transaction and litigation needs."

The .XXX operator will closely work with counsel at Gordon & Rees’s Miami office, one of 26 nationwide.

The firm in 2012 was lodged at No. 111 in the National Law Journal's ranking of the 350 largest U.S.-based law firms.

"We are happy to have  such a well-respected national firm with its broad range of expertise located close to our offices,” Lawley said.

Lawley noted that Gordon & Rees senior partner Richard Sybert already has taken over antitrust litigation in the Manwin vs. ICM and ICANN case.

Manwin sued ICM and ICANN last year after it accused the groups of colluding to steer the .XXX top-level domain in the marketplace.

Sybert's legal team will be working in consultation with Bret Fausett, an ICANN policy expert who was the chief litigator in the Coalition for ICANN Transparency vs. Verisign case, which has been cited in Manwin vs. ICM and ICANN.

Fausett represented the Coalition for ICANN Transparency, which had defeated Verisign at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The 9th Circuit found Verisign to have violated the Sherman Act by colluding with ICANN to eliminate competition for the registry contract.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More