Domain name legal question

soggy · 2003-10-24, 05:50 PM

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

soggy · 2003-10-24, 05:53 PM

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

DangerDave · 2003-10-24, 06:03 PM

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

Cleo · 2003-10-24, 06:06 PM

Ditto on what the dude from down under said.

Kush · 2003-10-24, 06:59 PM

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

Who is this person that you are referring to?

Chop Smith · 2003-10-26, 05:29 PM

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.

urb · 2003-10-27, 05:42 AM

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.

2003-10-24, 05:50 PM	#1
soggy If something goes wrong at the plant, blame the guy who can't speak English Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 304	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

2003-10-24, 06:03 PM	#3
DangerDave Bonged Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: BrisVegas, AUSTRALIA Posts: 4,882	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 __________________ Old Dollars >>>> Now with over 90 Hosted Free Sites <<<< DangerDave.com.au - Adult Links to Free Porn

2003-10-24, 06:06 PM	#4
Cleo Subversive filth of the hedonistic decadent West Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Southeast Florida Posts: 27,936	Ditto on what the dude from down under said. __________________ Free Rides on Uber and Lyft Uber Car: uberTzTerri Lyft Car: TZ896289

2003-10-24, 06:59 PM	#5
Kush Ahhh ... sweet pity. Where would my love life be without it? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 201	I can offer no advice on this matter, but I am a little curious. Who is this person that you are referring to? __________________ 120x60 Max For Sig Files

2003-10-26, 05:29 PM	#6
Chop Smith Eighteen 'til I Die Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,168	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. __________________

2003-10-24, 05:53 PM	#2
soggy If something goes wrong at the plant, blame the guy who can't speak English Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 304	Let me add I am using the domain name and not cyber squating on it if this makes a difference.

2003-10-27, 05:42 AM	#7
urb All the way from Room 101 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 3,557	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.