Small claims help on domain issue

[tfdomains]

Hello,

I paid someone (Founder and CEO of a decent sized Internet company) $2,000 for a domain name purchase.

Long story short he didn't transfer the name, sold it to someone else and stopped responded completely. I have since won a small claims case, unfortunately just for what I paid plus court fees. (He has ignored requests to collect on the judgement as well although I have proof he has opened my email)

At this point I want to make as painful as possible for him but I've never been involved w/ a legal dispute of any kind. Any advice on how to make it as public and costly for him w/o paying out more money before collecting?

Thanks!

 

[Dave_Z]

Did the judge at least issue an order for the domain name to be transferred to
you? If yes, then serve that on the registrar.

One other option is to contact the new owner if the domain name is showing
their details and explain what happened. Be polite about it, though, as they're
probably not aware of what went on.

Other than that, talk to the media.

 

[BitcoinDK]

If you want to make it public, you could start mentioning the company and his name here in NP.

Good luck otherwise and I hope you make him feel pain (not literaly),

 

[IAmAllanShore]

If you managed to win in small claims court by yourself, I imagine that the same resources you used to figure out that part of the process can also enlighten you about the "business end" of the process as well. If not, http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=collecting+small+claims+court+judgment&btnG=Google+Search is a good place to start.

-Allan :gl:

 

[tfdomains]

Thanks for the replies.

If someone knows a good judgment collection agency in Michigan I would be interested to know.

- Small claims judge said he can only reward damages so the judgment is only for my payment and not the domain.

- I did speak with the new owner, reasonable guy who at first stonewalled but then was forthright when I said it was going to litigation. I trust the new owner legitimately purchased and is sincere. The rat was this guy who was likely just managing the name.

- I've registered his company's name.sucks just in case so at this point I'm waiting to see how bad it gets before mentioning the name but I do like the media Idea in his home town.

- I did figure out how to file etc. and have read 'how to collect'. I posted in case someone has experience w/ collecting bad debts through court from someone with assets. I know I can place a lien and all that but don't know how. I should probably go to a legal forum actually but this is where I hang out so thought I'd try here since it is domain related.

Thanks again for suggestions.

Lesson to others is to always use Escrow which I usually do but a large internet company I thought would never pull something like this.

 

[OnlineDomainCom]

I always use escrow. There is no reason not to.

 

[CyberLaw.pro]

Lesson to others is to always use Escrow which I usually do but a large internet company I thought would never pull something like this.

Good lesson learned. This is a a good example of why it makes sense to use escrow even for "big companies." Even if you are able to go to court and get a judgment, and the company has the money, it is a lot of time and effort to have to chase the money down, as you have discovered.

Good luck. Hope it works out for you.