How to Prove that you own a Domain...

[Avabelle]

How does one legally prove that they own a domain name?

I imagine that there are various ways of doing this - however, I am looking for the best way.

Should I do a whois search on the domain I own and take a screen shot? Or is there a better way?

There are many Whois search domains. Which one is the best one to use?

Thanks - Any help is appreciated!

 

[DU]

How does one legally prove that they own a domain name?

I imagine that there are various ways of doing this - however, I am looking for the best way.

There is technically only one way.
The registered owner owns the domain.
You prove ownership via email.

There is legal precedent however that this is not wholly true. You can prove ownership via a recognized agreement with the registrar of record (so simply changing the whois doesn't change ownership).

This is done because if someone was to change the ownership record of the whois it may be done without a true change in title via "conversion":

"conversion is the wrongful exercise of dominion over the property of another."

So the answer is that to prove it - you require your information in the whois AND you need to own the registration agreement (or have evidence of legal transfer).

For the most part - the second half is unecessary except with $$$$ domains.

Search for Express.com in google for some court case reading (and correct me if I remember wrong).

 

[Dave_Z]

While it's not necessarily and totally authoritative, do a combo of copying the WHOIS search result with a dated result (e.g. WHOIS result as of Sept. 15, 2011) if possible, a screenshot of your registrar account showing the domain and owner inside (though fine to scratch out the username maybe), and a copy of your billing showing payment with the registrar that can be tied in with the domain registration.

 

[jberryhill]

Search for Express.com in google for some court case reading (and correct me if I remember wrong).

That's the one. Very weird set of circumstances in that case.