Domain Disputes

[Plotloss]

Anyone been through the domain dispute process?

A domain that I've been watching for months was sniped over night by what looks like a domain trader.

To say that I'm ed off is somewhat of an understatement.

[oggs]

Send the boys round Plotty

[nicecupoftea]

If you were only watching it do you have any claim over it?

Or is it name / company related in which case you may have a lever.

[aranell]

Hmm, good luck

Seriously though - what grounds do you have for complaining against the domain trader picking the name up? If it's just because you fancied having the domain, I don't think you will have much luck. If however, you have a trademarked product, you may have a case....

[BliarsGoing]

Anything to do with GoDaddy?

[Plotloss]

The domain name is identical to my limited companies registered trading name

I have the domain with a hyphen, this is the one without a hyphen.

It has been registered by a TAG holder with no published details and does not currently have a nameserver attached to it.

Its been bought to trade I'd bet my bile duct.

[aranell]

Yes, probably bought to trade (or to park).
Really, it depends on what the domain name is, and also what the site was being used for before it got dropped (and, to an extent, how well known your company name is).
If it's something really generic like blue-widgets.co.uk, you may have a problem unless you have a trademark for blue widgets. If the website had been up and running for a while, or it was previously BEFORE your company was formed, that could be a problem. If the domain is very unique, you may have a case for a DRS. Your first step should be to contact the domain owner if possible, and see if they will transfer the name to you (you never know ). If not, contact Nominet.

The only thing I will say is that Nominet have a history of some very peculiar decisions when it comes to domain name ownership. However, it can't hurt to try

[Plotloss]

Well I've just filled in the form so we shall see.

Its fairly generic admittedly but it means more to my trading name that it does to a domain trader.

If it doesnt get transferred its not the end of the world and at least I've given the procedure a go. On the upside our Google penetration is high for the 'generic' two word phrase that is the company name so even if it does get traded to someone else then we should still come up first.

Its good that it can go to mediation free of charge, Nominet must get thousands of these on a daily basis.

Time will tell I suppose.