Domain name threat

alijonna · #1 (**permalink**) 23-12-08, 07:19 PM

A few months ago I was bored so I bought a reseller account for web hosting and domain registration. Then I used an online domain name search and found a name I liked, registered it and used it for the reseller account. I just had threatening emails and phone calls from a company threatening to take me to court and accusing me of all sorts because the domain name is two letters different to theirs. They want me to transfer the domain to them within a week even though it's Christmas. I can't even remember how to access the site I'd forgotten all about it. It's the first I've ever heard of this company too. Anyone have any advice?

**Dan** · #2 (**permalink**) 23-12-08, 07:21 PM

What's your domain and this companies domain?

alijonna · #3 (**permalink**) 23-12-08, 07:23 PM

uknetnames.com They are a big company with loads of domains the one they are saying is problematic is netnames.com

**Dan** · #4 (**permalink**) 23-12-08, 07:58 PM

As long as they don't have a trademark or patent on "netname" then all should be fine.

alijonna · #5 (**permalink**) 23-12-08, 08:01 PM

they say they have a trademark for netnames

**Dan** · #6 (**permalink**) 23-12-08, 08:18 PM

I would be very vigilant and if you want to keep the domain, seek low level legal advice. Many situations have arisen where users have transfered domains when infact the person filing the complaint doesn't have a trademark.

alijonna · #7 (**permalink**) 28-12-08, 09:49 PM

I'm not that bothered, I've told them they can have the domain name if they're that bothered about it.

MrTWS · #8 (**permalink**) 29-12-08, 02:20 PM

If they can provide evidence that they have indeed a registered monopoly on any deviation of the word "netnames", or they can provide evidence that they have a registered trademark upon such a name, then you probably will have to relent

However, the onus is on them to provide you with this proof in writing, and generally speaking, unless you were using images similar to theirs, or in some way, implying that you were part of their organisation, I would have to say that they would have to actually purchase the domain name from yourself, rather than be given it

You should as others have said seek perhaps some legal advice, and check with your registrant on the matter too

**Administrator** · #9 (**permalink**) 29-12-08, 03:48 PM

I'll suggest you to wait till you receive a legal notice from them. Read what they mention in the notice and if you feel satisfied to push the domain name then give it to them for at least £500.

alijonna · #10 (**permalink**) 06-01-09, 08:34 AM

I stopped the url from pointing at my site and told them if they wanted the domain name they would have to let me know how they want to transfer it I haven't heard back so am understanding that the issue is finished with.

MrTWS · #11 (**permalink**) 06-01-09, 12:37 PM

There was really no reason why you should cave in under their bully pressures. You could upload a page to that site saying domain name for sale - any offers above £500 might be accepted

**WHUK-DAN** · #12 (**permalink**) 07-01-09, 08:32 AM

Hey Alijonna, if you know that you are right then there is no need to be afraid of anybody. Don't panic.Do your home work on that particular domain and keep all the required information handy. As of now I'll also suggest you to wait and watch for a few days.

dansgalaxy · #13 (**permalink**) 19-01-09, 10:52 PM

Totally agree with thats said above, dont cave in!

IF anything you can make some handy pocket change

Don't get worried over it, as long as you wasnt purposfully using the name to pretend to be them your fine.

very worst that could happen is they force registrar to transfer etc.

But try and make some cash from it

If they want it bad enough they willpay.

Dan