Domain Legalalities!
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- LiKkLeBritaIn
I wonder if anyone here knows about these things.. I have a friend who booked a domain name containing the name of a certain large music TV network.. she just got an email from a legal firm requesting that the domain be transferred to their client; it being this music TV network. NOW, whats the process on trying to keep the name / what's the chances of a win? The name is related to what my friend wanted to do with it in the future..
Anyone else ever had a domain that a large corp is after? - and what happened?
- kodap0
he better hurry up with paperwork of what he's about to make in the future and have that with objectivity. a lawyer in this case in required so your friend wants to keep his hopes.. but will be very difficult since there is (if there is) a company with the same name and media related...
good luck
- monkeyshine0
I believe if they have the name trademarked and your friend isn't using the domain for anything they can seize it. Maybe if she could make a solid case for her intended use, she could sell it to them. Right now she's a squatter in their eyes.
- LiKkLeBritaIn0
Thanks sincerely for response.. my friend is a lil shaken by it as the letter is kinna scary - she says that the vibe is like, "give it us or else.."
I mean is it ever worth trying to sell the name to them?
Another idea was to agree to forward the name to their site but refuse to hand over ownership - the advantage being that you have a great name in your portfolio, and maybe even slip in a teensie frame with links to your other sites (could hide em) to raise your other sites up the search engine ranks..?
Any thoughts?
- madirish0
that is poor form and sketchy shit to even consider 'hiding a frame' in a URL you agreed to let them use.
if she is not using, she is a squatter, plain and simple. if she has a legitimate reason for holding the URL, explain that and either work it out, or she will be forced to give it up.
- joyride0
its tough, if she owns mtvHomes.com and mtv is like her initials or something and she sells homes. I wouldn't worry, she has a case. But if shes trying to capitalize with the mtv name... then you better get a good laywer. Needs to be clear and distinct difference.
- monkeyshine0
yeah, dream on. A big company won't play that game. If she refuses to hand over ownership, they'll likely sue. It is in their best interest to get this domain. What's in hers? I'd say she'd do well if she can convince them that she really is in the middle of doing this fabulous thing with the site and is not a squatter. She might get some $$ out of it if she plays nice.
- LiKkLeBritaIn0
Thanks guys.. I reckon handing over is best bet.. you think its cheeky to ask for some money and if so how much.. I think the domain only cost her $6 for 2 years but some £$ would be nice!
I just told all this and shes resigning herself to getting rid of it
- joyride0
lol... I wouldn't... that's what they expect most people to do. If she's not doing anything illegal with it, don't just hand it over. They should pay for it
- denvergreenbud0
madirish hit it right on the head.
If she is just speculating on a trademarked domain and the company knows it, and has already started an ICANN investigation she is going to lose the name.
Perhaps she can create a relationship with someone at the company by cooperating and forge a work relationship with said company.