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Today's Laugh - Trademarked Domain

by rosetrees
12 replies
I own a domain name which was bought a few years ago for a specific purpose for some friend's holiday accommodation. I didn't stop to think that it contained a trademarked name and have left the site active.

Anyway. I received a notice from solicitors to take the domain down. No problem - mea culpa and all that.

They have now sent me (by email) instructions to transfer the domain to their client - and given me their client's postal address. Just that - nothing else - no phone number, no email address, no registrar's name.

I got the impression they expected me to put the domain in an envelope and post it to their client!!
#domain #laugh #today #trademarked
  • Profile picture of the author SuzanneH
    That's just too funny! Thanks for the morning chuckle. :-)

    Suzanne
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

    I got the impression they expected me to put the domain in an envelope and post it to their client!!
    Hmmm ... they're not too familiar with doing this, are they? If you ask them to open an account with your registrar, to "push" it to them, you might ask them to reimburse you for the registration-fees you've spent on it, too? People have paid this before (perhaps out of relief at finding someone not argumentative about transferring the domain?). Never know your luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      Hmmm ... they're not too familiar with doing this, are they? If you ask them to open an account with your registrar, to "push" it to them, you might ask them to reimburse you for the registration-fees you've spent on it, too? People have paid this before (perhaps out of relief at finding someone not argumentative about transferring the domain?). Never know your luck!
      I told them that if their client initiated transfer I would give them the EPP code or, if they have a Namecheap account, I will push it directly to them. I laid it on a bit thick with the techie terms I have to admit!

      I didn't think of asking for the fee. Not bothered. I've realised I could be on to something so have registered a more generic domain name and transferred the content! I almost sent them a "thank you for the idea".

      I'm awaiting a reply about registrars etc!
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

    I got the impression they expected me to put the domain in an envelope and post it to their client!!
    Well, what's the problem? Stick it in an envelope and mail it them already!
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    • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Well, what's the problem? Stick it in an envelope and mail it them already!
      I was very tempted.
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      • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
        Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

        I was very tempted.
        Don't be tempted, do it.

        I'd write it down on a piece of paper with a note explaining you were only given an address to send it to.

        Maybe next time they wouldn't look like a complete amateur when they do this.

        It certainly provided a laugh though Carol, I'll give you that.
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  • Profile picture of the author mikeye
    These guys have no ideas what they're doing. Maybe you should print out your homepage and post to their client! But make sure it's from the real trademark owner. I know people received such "solicitor" letters and transferred their domains to some "fake" owners and lost their domains.
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  • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
    @ Mikey - I'm fairly sure they are genuine. These are their instructions (name and address changed to protect the innocent)

    To avoid the domain name being acquired by another we would be grateful if you could arrange the transfer of the same to our client. The details are as follows:

    Their Client's Name

    xxxxxxxxx Drive

    Somewhere

    Surrey

    GUXX XXX

    Admin contact: "Fred Bloggs"

    I await hearing from you to confirm that the transfer has taken place.

    Yours sincerely,
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  • Profile picture of the author Geekgirl01
    Tell them it will be with them in 5 days by recorded airmail 1st class
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  • Profile picture of the author TheArticlePros
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author mikeye
      Originally Posted by JaRyCu View Post

      LOL Miss Rose!

      I'd go an extra few steps if it were me, being that I'm a huge smart @$$ and all. I'd start by emailing them back with an affiliate link for both HostGator and NameCheap and tell them they'll have to open a new account with those links in order for the domain to be transferred. Then I'd print out every single page of the site on high-quality paper, have it notarized, and ship it to the COD FedEx Overnight (since it's the most expensive) so that they have to pay for it. Use their name as the sender AND the receiver so it can't come back to you.

      You'd make what? $50-$100 off the affiliate fees and end up costing them a lot more than that!

      -- j
      I love that idea.
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      • Profile picture of the author CassAngel
        Send them your monitor.

        If they complain, say: "Well, it was on here when I last looked at it."
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    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
      Banned
      Originally Posted by JaRyCu View Post

      LOL Miss Rose!

      I'd go an extra few steps if it were me, being that I'm a huge smart @$$ and all. I'd start by emailing them back with an affiliate link for both HostGator and NameCheap and tell them they'll have to open a new account with those links in order for the domain to be transferred. Then I'd print out every single page of the site on high-quality paper, have it notarized, and ship it to them COD FedEx Overnight (since it's the most expensive) so that they have to pay for it. Use their name as the sender AND the receiver so it can't come back to you.

      You'd make what? $50-$100 off the affiliate fees and end up costing them a lot more than that!

      -- j
      Why stop there? I'd go on Craigslist and put down $25 on a broken laptop. Mail it to them with a note:

      I tried my best to get the domain out of my computer, but it didn't work. Maybe you'll have better luck?
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