.co.uk domain and right to ownership.

[Britman]

Hey folks, Hope all is well.

What rights do I have to a .co.uk domain name if that domain name is already a well established .com and a know name? www.alphasiege.com

You see I've been a member of a gaming clan for 7 years and I've always been in charge of the website, back then I only got the .com version, yes now I know I should have got the .co.uk version too, but being really happy with a .com I didn't bother.

Anyway, the other member have asked if we can have a .co.uk version, so I goes and checks, only to discover it's been taken but a company (squatter?) that isn't using the name and is only interested in selling it for a minimum of 300 euros, also the company that owns it isn't based in the UK if that makes any difference.

Do have a legit claim with Nominet to get them to release it to me or do I not have a leg to stand on and in future make sure I register all versions of a domain?

Thanks so much.

[Jeewhizz]

You didn't register it, so it's tough luck. €300 is cheap for an aftermarket domain, so I'd get that if your budget allows. They won't let it drop - afterall, it's only a fiver to renew it!

You might have a case if you have a registered trademark for 'alpha siege', but even then, it'll cost you £750 to file a complaint with nominet (assuming they respond to the complaint)

Jee

[Britman]

cheers jee, pretty much what i thought.

[orydian]

Agree with Jee. That's pretty cheap. Although don't be afraid to bargain. It's quite unlikely they'll be able to sell it to anyone else.

Also, might be too late, but don't contact them from anything to do with the domain (you[at]alphasiege.com), as that will put you in a 'fish in a barrel' situation.

Just use a Gmail address and say you're interested, but not at that price. Only supply your full details after you've agreed a price.

ory.