Domain name legal question
 

I registered a domain name of a person who was a regular guest on the Stern show. Know this person has become semi famous. She has a lawyer calling me now as of today. Do I have any ground to stand on? If no then how much can I ask for compensation of the name?

soggy

Let me add I am using the domain name and not cyber squating on it if this makes a difference.

soggy,

You will get differing opinions on this.... but IMO

If it's someones name and it aint YOUR name, then you have little chance of holding on to it.

Unless you have some true claim to the domain, I would hand it back and ask for some small compensation for the hassle.

Is it making you millions?

DD

Ditto on what the dude from down under said. :)

I can offer no advice on this matter, but I am a little curious.

Who is this person that you are referring to?

Drawing on a little business law knowledge, under US law you can not copyright a name of a legal entity (person, corp) unless it is your own. It thin ice but you might get by with some like "chopsmithsbiggestfan.com". If you do not decide to give it up, I would consult with my attorney in a hurry.

Sell it to 'em. :)

Keeping in mind that they have gone to the expense of a lawyer and therefore would probably be prepared to spend more.

Take into account how much money you could have made from this domain and the work which you would have to do in order to apply and promote your site to another domain.

Give them a realistic price and stick to your guns.