ccTLDs are run by local administrators in each country.  Originally, these administrators were experienced local technical personnel (usually academic) appointed by IANA.  As the popularity and commercial value of domain registrations has increased, national governments are beginning to assert independent control over their ccTLD registries.  Authority over ccTLD administration is therefore an evolving issue.  The registry of each ccTLD sets its own policies for domain name registration and dispute resolution.  Although ccTLDs were originally envisioned as being limited to domestic use, the registration policies of various ccTLDs have evolved differently.  Some restrict themselves to local entities (Italy, Korea, Japan) but over 80 of the 250 ccTLDs allow any organization or person to register a name.  Some prohibit registration of product names or trademarks (Norway).  Some enforce the meaning of second level domains within the ccTLD, thus limiting the .co.TLD to companies.

A fairly comprehensive, although possibly outdated, source of information on the registration policies of various ccTLDs is available.  The International Trademark Association publication "Trademark Law and the Internet;  Issues, Case Law & Practice Tips" (not available on the internet) is also a good source of information on registration and dispute resolution policies of various ccTLDs.