The .co.uk version of my name is taken, where do I stand?

[alex]

I need a bit of advice regarding name domains. The .co.uk version of my name (first name and surname) is currently owned by a domain trading company that has listed the domain for sale on SEDO. It has been in this state for as long as I’ve known.

I am a sole trader trading under my own name. Where do I stand regarding the domain? Do I have legal claim to it or do I have to buy it if I want it?

It was on SEDO for approximately £2k, but has since been reduced and I am still not willing to pay the asking figure. Any advice would be appreciated.

Alex

 

[aZooZa]

You have absolutely no claim to it I'm afraid Alex.

 

[golddiggerguy]

How many other people with first name and surname are their that could trade under their own name? As a joiner, aerial fitter, etc

So I don't think anyone of you have a right to it, or if you do, you all have an equal right.

Either way you can't demand it.

If you want it, dig deep and buy IF you want it that bad.

 

[retired_member13]

Any advice would be appreciated.

Make an offer of £100-£200 if you're that bothered, and put a note in with it saying that's you only offer and see what they say. They might send it to auction in which case you'll have to hope the other AlexXXXXXs don't pop out of the woodwork.

 

[alex]

I take the point, but what about the case with celebrity names, or is it literally just something that is frowned upon?

Granted everyone with my name has an equal right, and you could argue more people do, but it is obviously annoying that they’ve registered it with the intention of selling it and not using it. Other domains no problem, I just feel it’s a bit sneaky doing it this way, or maybe I’m missing out.

I had planned to make an offer, but I just wanted to see if I did have any legal claim, but obviously not.

 

[retired_member12]

I need a bit of advice regarding name domains. The .co.uk version of my name (first name and surname) is currently owned by a domain trading company that has listed the domain for sale on SEDO. It has been in this state for as long as I’ve known.

I am a sole trader trading under my own name. Where do I stand regarding the domain? Do I have legal claim to it or do I have to buy it if I want it?

It was on SEDO for approximately £2k, but has since been reduced and I am still not willing to pay the asking figure. Any advice would be appreciated.

Alex

Come on Alex, play the white man!

A year ago today, didn't you flog WimbledonTennis.eu?

For Sale WimbledonTennis.eu - £15
Sold - please remove
Last edited by alex; 07-04-2009 at 11:27:00 AM. Reason: SOLD

 

[Paullas]

i would just email domcollect and ask them.

 

[alex]

Come on Alex, play the white man!

A year ago today, didn't you flog WimbledonTennis.eu?

I know it seems a bit hypocritical, sorry for that. I bought my first domain 3 years ago, but the following years I only bought and sold a few. Having decided to spend more time doing it, and having seen sense, I’ve dropped all my TM domains and go nowhere near them now. I’m sure I’m not the only one to make rookie mistakes?

Anyway that aside, I see no problems in buying domains with specifically targeted companies/people in mind, or registering names with the potential of development, but I do think it’s a bit cheeky buying a full-name and setting a high price. As I said, maybe I’m just missing out on a good opportunity.

 

[bb99]

If it's the same as the .org.uk address that is your email address on this forum (only .co.uk), it's listed on Sedo for less than what a DRS would cost you.

So regardless of whether or not you would win a DRS, it's more cost effective to buy it. And, as a bonus, this path comes with a guaranteed outcome.

 

[retired_member13]

BBC - 1Xtra - The 1Xtra Soca Show

And others.

Very much doubt whether you were the target in this particular case (!), but from doing a Google search there appear to be a lot who would have an equal or better claim.

What's the issue with buying it?

Alternatively get in touch with PhilNorris - he's a member on here - try and do a deal with him Phil Norris Intro

 

[alex]

I've contacted Phil Norris so I guess I just wait to see what happens. Thanks for the advice. There’s no issue with buying it apart from the price, although granted it is a quarter of what it has been the past year.

The main points I was trying to bring out here were can anyone register a person’s name when they have no affiliation themselves? The answer seems yes. However if this is the case why is there such an issue with people who buy names such as Susan Boyle? I’m just interested in the distinction between the two cases.

I have nothing against anyone who does this, although naturally it is going to be frustrating when it is something that is relevant to me. Is this something that most people do? As I said maybe I’m missing out on something, but its just my personal opinion that TMs and names are similar, although not in the legal sense.

 

[retired_member9]

If you can demonstrate in the DRS that the domain name was registered with a primary intention to sell it to someone who has rights to it (and you do have a right to your name+surname.co.uk) and registrant do not have any other uses for the name, then you can win it.

I think you have pretty good chances to get it via DRS, even without paying DRS fee. Many deals are negotiated during mediation and seller might agree to offer it to you for a substantially lower figure. So if you have spare time you have nothing to lose to try it ;-)

 

[alex]

Thanks for the info. To be honest I don’t know too much about the DRS process, but I will investigate. At this stage an offer has been made and I’ll see what comes of it before I decide what I’m going to do.

 

[woopwoop]

I guess one important question is why did they register it?

Is FirstnameLastname.co.uk the name of someone in the company or a family member?

Do they know you and are trying to get an offer from you?

Is there a celeb with your name and they are trying to get paid from them?

There must be a reason why they reg'd the name and so that will provide a direction for you to go in negotiating with them (or DRS etc.). It will also give you an idea of how tight a grip they have on (and how much they care about) the domain.

Obviously you might not be able to know exactly why they reg'd it in all cases, but you might have an idea from searching or reading about them.

 

[retired_member13]

I guess one important question is why did they register it?

Obviously you might not be able to know exactly why they reg'd it in all cases, but you might have an idea from searching or reading about them.

It's DomCollect, Sedo's domain buying / trading sister company. They've got 10,000s of domains - they buy on the aftermarket, reg and drop catch (that was kinda the point of the middle of the thread).

 

[newguy]

I take the point, but what about the case with celebrity names, or is it literally just something that is frowned upon?

You're on dicey ground with known persons, especially if you purchased the domain after they became famous, and if you use it as some kind of unofficial fan site (but with an official domain). Didn't that happen with the susanboyle uk domain straight after she became famous? I wonder if action will ever be taken.

 

[alex]

Thank you for the suggestions and help. In the end I contacted them and I purchased the domain. It was more than I wanted to spend, but I now have it.

 

[HariSeldon]

If you can demonstrate in the DRS that the domain name was registered with a primary intention to sell it to someone who has rights to it (and you do have a right to your name+surname.co.uk) and registrant do not have any other uses for the name, then you can win it.

I know that the OP has now bought this domain but is this interpretation of the DRS correct?

My understanding was that you had to demonstrate the Registrant's intention was to sell it to you (the Complainant) not just "someone"?