Possible Suit over my Domain Name

[tellafriend]

California

A few years ago I purchased a .org domain name that just so happened to be the exact name of a certain awards show each year for a particular music industry. When I purchased the domain I couldn't believe my luck that the particular music organization hadn't grabbed it yet.


Well, I guess now their not very happy with me and want me to relinquish my ownership of the domain name to them or else.

The domain name has never been developed but I originally purchased the name to re-sell and make a little money.

They have asked me very nicely to sign over the name to them and that will be the end of it but I am still interested in selling the domain name as I am broke and lost big time in the domain name resale market.

Are they just using strong arm tactics with me trying to get something for free because they didn't jump on it first?

Should I answer their legal letter with a dollar amount of what I would like for the domain name?

Should I just give them what they want so they'll go away?

signed,

Broke and confused

 

[ChicagoLawyer]

"I originally purchased the name to re-sell and make a little money."

Under WIPOs UDRP, that constitutes bad faith that could result in a transfer of ownership of the domain to them. Yes they have legal leverage in this instance. Would it hurt to ask for money? No, it never does. Just remember that domains, like .com stocks, have tumbled in value. That, coupled with what sounds like an almost slam dunk UDRP claim, leads me to believe that if you get anything, you should be happy.

I originally purchased the name to re-sell and make a little money.

 

[JETX]

You are what is politely referred to as a 'cybersquatter'. By your own admission, you had no intention of developing the site, only to hold it as 'ransom' for profit.

As such, the laws don't look to good for you.

The federal "Anti-cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act" has pretty much put this activity out of business.

The Act can be found at:
http://eon.law.harvard.edu/property00/domain/legislation.html

Additional news stories telling the dying tale of this practice:
http://www.adlawbyrequest.com/inthecourts/Cybersquat052002.shtml
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,14833,00.asp
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Network/5054/marcos/dominio/docs/us_domain_solutions.htm
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-11-517284.html?legacy=zdnn

 

[HomeGuru]

Writer: it will be a losing battle for you.