Someone setup a LTD company with my domain name as the name?

[kass]

Hi All,

i typed in google one of domain names which i do not use to see what comes up and i noticed someone setup a ltd company with the url of the domain name i own etc "mydomainnameurl.co.uk ltd" and are doing business on a very popular B2B site

On their B2B profile page they say the company was setup in 2007 but i registered the domain name back in 2003 what can i do about it can i stop them trading with my domain name even if i dont use it?

[bensd]

How can they be using a domain you own?

Has the domain dropped? or are they using a similar name?

-Ben

[kass]

Sorry they are not using the domain name i own i still have control of the domain name and its in my name the domain name has not dropped i still own it from 2003 all i have done with the domain name is point it to an affiliate program.


Bensd what they have done is setup a limited company with the company name as

"mydomainnameurl.co.uk ltd"

They are not using a similar name its word for word my domain name spelling

mydomainnameurl.co.uk limited and its listed on ukdata.com too.

[itrends]

First, try giving them a call. See what they say. Use a with held number and a fake name so they can't 'chase' you back if they don't like it.

Then, if they give some 'shiat' story, check if they are actually a registered company with companies house. If they are, then report them with the details by phone and letter.

Then get in touch with their hosting provider and file a DMCA take down notice.

Finally, if there is any way to post on their profile, post the information 'anon'.

Normally the first couple of steps are enough. And at the end of the day, they are not directly doing you any harm, although they are damaging a future reputation should you ever wish to trade with such a name.

[DomainAngel]

Its happened quite a few times before.

If you are trading and declaring your full income, which I am sure you are being a domainer

Then there are laws to protect you, especially if it is mirroring your trading, passing off for instance.

If however you just had a domain not doing much and they registered a ltd company with your name, then unfortunately there is not much you can do.

Each case has to be looked at seperately, as there are always mitigating circumstances, best advice is to write it all down, challenge each point yourself, and if after doing this you still feel you have a case, in for a penny in for a pound.

Best of luck either way.

[rob]

I had someone squat a LTD for one of my names then try and flog it to me. Told them where to go.

I think there is something along the lines of a petition you can submit to companies house to ensure a name change. I am sure someone can tell you more on that.

If not, register ebay.co.uk ltd then photocopy the documents that you get

[bluerock]

Originally Posted by rob

I think there is something along the lines of a petition you can submit to companies house to ensure a name change.

An objection to a company name has to be in the first 12 months of the company formation... otherwise they keep it.

[bensd]

Originally Posted by rob

If not, register ebay.co.uk ltd then photocopy the documents that you get

lol - could be a very expensive way to do it

[accelerator]

Also bear in mind that Ltd company registrations do not confer intellectual property rights to brand names but UK trademarks applications do.

Rgds