Broker has 'stolen' my domain name - what can I do?

[piersmorgan]

I have previously owned a domain (a very unusual surname) on and off for about 3 years. It recently expired without my knowledge due to the broker (powerpipe) screwing up and only notifying me the day after. They offered to renew it for a hefty sum so I told them where to go. I was hoping I could get it back once it was on the open market.

Unfortunately, when it became 'public' it again it was swiped by another broker, BUYDOMAINS who have put it up for sale on there 'premium' list of domains and are asking for over $1000!!

Please note that the domain name is not exclusive at all - there are only a few of us around with this surname and there no big companies associated or registered with this name.

As far as I can see Buydomains are not far from being a cybersquatter. They have bought an unpopular (surname) domain which I was using for personal use. OK I was stupid to think I would be able to get the name back once it had dropped, but what would Buydomains want to do with a name on the same par as vonstampellen.net???? (not the real name, but gives you an idea!!).

How can I proceed? I need this domain back - my CV mentions it, my webpages mention it throughout. Obviously I don't wish to pay 1000 or get a lawyer!!! And there's no way Buydomains is gonna sell it to anyone. So should I approach them and say I'll cover their costs and buy it for $50? I don't have any trademarks on my surname, so don't have much of a leg to stand on.

Suggestions please!

Piers

[fiddleabout]

Unfortunately it seems to me that you have lost it with no cheap and easy way to get it back unless they are prepared to take a reasonable offer.

What about the other variants - .biz .com .co.uk .name .me.uk etc. etc. - it surely can't be much of a problem to modify any webpages to the new url.

[reynolds]

re

<scrap that, stupid idea>

[whats in a name]

domain name

Piers

You dont say which domain it is but there is a dispute resolution procedure which allows anyone to challenge any registration which ought to cover this.

Go to the authority which manages the domain (so nominet for .co.uk) and search for dispute resolution.

Problem is that there is a fee and you might find that the broker has the sale fee set at the same level (I think nominet charge 750) but I dont know if you get the fee back if you succeed.

wian

[thunderlizard]

Re: domain name

So should I approach them and say I'll cover their costs and buy it for $50?

Yes. Offer $50 and keep offering $50 every day until they realise you're the only person who wants it, and 50$ is all you'll pay.

you're right, you don't have a leg to stand on. Imagine selling a house to an individual and claiming the right to buy it back immediately at market rates.