Got copyright names. They won't take them back. Any ideas?

[wealthworld]

Hello,

I need some advice on 2 domain names I have.

I have 2 domains that I registered a long time ago (years) - and they obviously infringe on copyright or trademark info.

Recently, I've contacted the companies that own the rights to these names, and tried to give them back. I emailed them directly - and told them I'd transfer them (at my cost) - and all I needed was info on how they wanted to move forward with the transfer. I even made it very clear that I did not want a dime from the transfer.

Both sites get a bunch of traffic - so I figured I'd just release the domains before they came and took them.

Well, no one has contacted me back. It seems I can't give these domains away.

What are they?

www.TheCrocodileHunter.com

www.TheGobletOfFire.com

With The Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter) movie coming out, that domain's traffic has blown up. Last month, there were 40,000 visits... and it seems to be growing. I tried to give this thing back, but so far, no one at Warner Bro's has contacted me.

And Steve Irwin's company hasn't contacted me either about getting back The Crocodile Hunter domain.

Do I just sit and wait. Do I contact them over and over again until they DO something?

Any suggestions???

Thanks!

Best,
Jeff

 

[Stephen]

Best thing I can can is keep on trying.

If you want to do something else - try making a fan site of some sort out of them.

 

[Sho-Down]

Are you wanting to give them away to ANYONE or just the companys? I'll take them off your hands if you don't want them lol

But if you want to keep them then start a fan site or something

 

[RJ]

Sounds like you already made a good faith effort to turn over the domains. Either wait for them to expire and let them drop, or for the trademark holder to come to you.

I commend you on trying to do the right thing. Many domainers don't worry about trademarked domains anymore since its not a big deal to turn over a name if a TM holder calls you on it, and you can make decent money from the traffic in the meantime. I'm sure you'll get a few offers to purchase these, if you haven't already.

 

[JoshHendo]

I am quite happy to take them if you don't want them!. Well, anyway, I own www.getfirefox.biz and i have tried to give it to Mozilla but they haven't e-mailed me back wither. Good job on trying to give it to them, but this similar thing has happened to me to so you should be fine. Keep them and if they try to get it off you just say you offered it but you didn't reply!

 

[slaughterbeck]

Correct me if I’m wrong but a month ago you had TheBellagio.com for sale on eBay and I believe you resolved that TM issue domain with a resounding 25K private sale. As I recall you had guts enough to signup as an affiliate with MGM themselves and used that as your primary selling point on your eBay page. So one month ago you weren’t at all afraid at all of a colossal entertainment and gambling conglomerate but now you’re apprehensive about JK Rowling and an Aussie in short pants? Can you please explain how your courage has descended so greatly in the past few weeks?


PS. What are your plans for MrsField.com?

 

[danielr]

Correct me if I’m wrong but a month ago you had TheBellagio.com for sale on eBay and I believe you resolved that TM issue domain with a resounding 25K private sale. As I recall you had guts enough to signup as an affiliate with MGM themselves and used that as your primary selling point on your eBay page. So one month ago you weren’t at all afraid at all of a colossal entertainment and gambling conglomerate but now you’re apprehensive about JK Rowling and an Aussie in short pants? Can you please explain how your courage has descended so greatly in the past few weeks?


PS. What are your plans for MrsField.com?

WealthWorld,
Follow me to the darkside of the typo/trademark force. The darkside has much more wealth and power.

 

[Matrix1976]

Correct me if I’m wrong but a month ago you had TheBellagio.com for sale on eBay and I believe you resolved that TM issue domain with a resounding 25K private sale. As I recall you had guts enough to signup as an affiliate with MGM themselves and used that as your primary selling point on your eBay page. So one month ago you weren’t at all afraid at all of a colossal entertainment and gambling conglomerate but now you’re apprehensive about JK Rowling and an Aussie in short pants? Can you please explain how your courage has descended so greatly in the past few weeks?


PS. What are your plans for MrsField.com?

hmmm, im intrigued by this as well....


ps.: id be glad to take these domains off your hands as well :P


.

I emailed them directly - and told them I'd transfer them (at my cost)

your real cost or an invented one with a few more zero's than your real cost?

 

[Lyte]

WealthWorld, Follow me to the darkside of the typo/trademark force. The darkside has much more wealth and power.

Lead on Lord... this padawan shall follow! :lol:

 

[Sho-Down]

Hey hey I was first guys lol if he gives them away I got first dibs

 

[Dave_Z]

Lead on Lord... this padawan shall follow! :lol:

Ah, but for those going to the dark side, there can only be one master and
one apprentice, and this link explains why. :D

Anyway, I gotta commend Jeff for getting those names since 2001. But I wish
him good luck on what exactly to do with them.

 

[Lyte]

"Bah" to all of you! :lol: Ya snooze, ya loose! :p

If wealthworld doesn't take up the Dark Lord's offer, I'm next in line! :wave:

 

[wealthworld]

Here's why the change of heart...

Happy to answer your question.

The buyer purchased the domain in question and transfered the money to my bank account - and I transfered the domain to him. Transaction completed.

Then, the mega-casino came in within a week and told them to hand it over... or else. Even though (from the whois info) it doesn't appear that they have completed a transfer yet, they (the buyers) emailed and told me this - and that they'd comply completely.

They also told me that since they don't have the domain, they want their $25K back. Unfortunately, I've gone through a messy divorce recently (that's why I sold the domain) so I don't have the money to give them.

Since then, they've been in contact with my bank - requesting the $25k back... saying that "I didn't deliver what I promised". They've threatened legal action - and who knows where this will go.

So, to be blunt, I'm trying to get all of the drama out of my life. Whether these other companies come for their domains now or later, I'm sure they'll come for them. And I'd rather not have this drama in my life. I've got too many other things I really need to focus on right now.

So that's "the rest of the story".

Hope this clarifies.

Thanks, by the way, for the advice on these domains. Probably going to contact the companies a few more times - and just sit and wait. It might look bad if I hand these off to someone else (even though I appreciate the many, many offers).

Best,
Jeff

 

[slaughterbeck]

I’m truly sorry to hear about that Jeff but I don’t think you should worry too much, just look at how MGM handled the case with your former site, they simply asked that it be turned over even though they could prove actual damages.

Have you tried contacting the registrars and asking them to delete the domains?

You could try selling them on eBay, even without established websites, 40,000 uniques a month for TheGobletOfFire.com and growing is some very nice traffic.

 

[danielr]

They also told me that since they don't have the domain, they want their $25K back. Unfortunately, I've gone through a messy divorce recently (that's why I sold the domain) so I don't have the money to give them.

Since then, they've been in contact with my bank - requesting the $25k back... saying that "I didn't deliver what I promised". They've threatened legal action - and who knows where this will go.
Jeff

Who ever bought the domain from you took the risk, it is their fault unless you signed an agreement with them that "if they loose the domain to a trade mark issue, then you must repay". They should have known the risks if they purchased it from you and no court is going to stand behind them unless it is in writing. Domains are like used cars, buyer beware unless you sign an agreement.

Note: Marriage is the leading cause for Divorce

 

[dgridley]

Hm, exactly why I've always suggested not getting involved with TMed domains.. I owned carrieunderwood.ws and recently deleted it. I also owned several video game console TMed domains and gave those away.. not worth the potential headaches IMO.

The buyer purchased the domain in question and transfered the money to my bank account - and I transfered the domain to him. Transaction completed.

Then, the mega-casino came in within a week and told them to hand it over... or else. Even though (from the whois info) it doesn't appear that they have completed a transfer yet, they (the buyers) emailed and told me this - and that they'd comply completely.

They also told me that since they don't have the domain, they want their $25K back. Unfortunately, I've gone through a messy divorce recently (that's why I sold the domain) so I don't have the money to give them.

Since then, they've been in contact with my bank - requesting the $25k back... saying that "I didn't deliver what I promised". They've threatened legal action - and who knows where this will go.

 

[food_consult]

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