Legal Ownership of Domains

RedSnapper · Oct 18, 2005

Hi Guys,

I have a problem, and thought someone on the forum might be able to help.

I registered a domain on behalf of a client (I'm a web designer). Then I recieved a letter from a solicitor requesting I release the domain as it infringes on another UK registered company. Their argument seems pretty fair, but as the domain was registered for a client I'm not sure I have the right to release it. My client is digging his heels in and now I'm being threatened with legal costs by the solicitor.

If I release it, my client could seek legal compensation, if I don't the solicitor could screw me. :?

The client has yet to pay me for the domain, and I've no wish to pay for my own solicitor.

Any ideas?

aquanuke · Oct 18, 2005

As its in your name then its your problem.

Of course your client will try to sue you, I would. You need to protect yourself from your client by covering yourself with a TOS.

Hand it back and try to sweet talk your client, offer them 10 free registrations or somthing

bb99 · Oct 18, 2005

That's a tricky one.

As Aquanuke says, you're the legal registrant so it is your problem.

The stuff about recovering costs etc is standard solicitor sh*t - they send you a very nasty letter intended to scare you before you've even started. Without knowing the specifics, it's difficult to advise further but I'd imagine their strategy at this point is just to try and make you hand it over for fear of getting sued. This can be quite effective

If I were you I'd fob the solicitors off with "I need to take advice, your deadlines are unreasonable etc", get the transfer forms for the domain ASAP and get it formally transferred into your client's name. That way it becomes their problem and they can fight it all they like.