Legal question - domain squatting

[Steve]

One of our clients has a domain name 'clientname.com'. There is no web page, website, whatever at that address - they only use it for email. They have it registered with Network Solutions for the next nine years already.

Somebody called them recently about acquiring the domain name and was told no. Five minutes later they got an email from Domain Notification Central (support@domainregistrycentral.com) saying things like Final Notice, the above noted domain has become available for registration, United States Legal Code, etc.

What I'm asking for here is a clear explanation of the rules, something we can show to the client to reassure them that they are not in any danger. Links would help too. Also anything that shows that this guy is full of it is nice, but first we want to ensure that all our bases are covered.

 

[mrCide]

try

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybersquatting

 

[Steve]

Originally posted by: mrCide
try

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cybersquatting

Already there. Still welcoming more input.

 

[Gooberlx2]

I would think that they're totally within their right, especially if they're using email through the domain name.

This link explains the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act. Basically, so far as I read it, unless your client is sitting on a distinctive trademarked name, with the intent of profiting from it (which doesn't seem to be the case), then they're fine.

 

[Steve]

Thanks very much Gooberlx2, I will pass this link along to my boss. Just to clarify, what we actually need is assurance to the client that they are compliant with all pertinent laws and rules - their fear is having that domain taken from them legitimately because they forgot to comply with a rule or two. We'd love to just say "don't worry, it's a scam" but we'd like to back that up with some legalese and proof of compliance, this would give them peace of mind.

 

[CaptainGoodnight]

Sounds like a scam to me. If the domain name is registered with Network Solutions, why would domainregistrycentral.com be emailing you? I think the time of the call and email were a coincidence.

edit: what you must realize is that whois infomation for domains is mostly public. Some companies just spam the listed contacts for tht domain in hopes they can trick you into signing up with them. I have gotten emails from such companies years before my domains were set to expire.

more: http://www.us/advisory.html

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: Steve
Thanks very much Gooberlx2, I will pass this link along to my boss. Just to clarify, what we actually need is assurance to the client that they are compliant with all pertinent laws and rules - their fear is having that domain taken from them legitimately because they forgot to comply with a rule or two. We'd love to just say "don't worry, it's a scam" but we'd like to back that up with some legalese and proof of compliance, this would give them peace of mind.

Is the domain name something we would all recognize? Something like hotwheels.com? Or is it just a bunch of turds that want to take over a generic domain like ricerssuck.com? As that article suggests, if a big company is pursuing it, with all their money behind them, then it could be a headache for your client anyway.


edit: good find CaptainGoodnight. Yeah, totally a scam.

 

[kranky]

I would go to internic.net and do a whois on the domain. It might point you to another registrar but you should have no problem seeing what the "official" information is for the domain.

Are you sure the email wasn't for a VARIANT on the domain name? Like if the client already own .com, the email was talking about .us, .tv or some other variation?

Anyway, a little googling shows that domainregistrycentral.com is just spamming your client.

 

[Steve]

CaptainGoodnight, I do believe that this is indeed a scam, I'm pretty sure we and the client are all on the same page as far as that goes.

Gooberlx2, the domain name is nothing recognizable, not a part of common knowledge, not aware that it is trademarked to anyone other than the client. But I have no idea who the complainant is. That said, if it was a big company I suspect they'd use a legitimate domain registrar to send that notice.

 

[Steve]

kranky, the whois indicates our client is indeed registered with Network Solutions and expires in seven years (not nine). The email referred to 'the above named domain' but the only reference to the domain was the end of our client's email address

 

[jjones]

It's a scam company. Tell your client to google the name "Domain Notification Central" and they'll see all the sites discussing this scam.

Edit: for the purposes of an entity's rights to a domain, visit the ICANN web site.

http://www.icann.org/udrp/