Desired Domain name owned but not used?

I'd like to buy a domain name that someone has held on to for years...

[JAB Creations]

I'd like to buy a domain name that has been registered since before I even began using the internet. I've researched the domain name and it's never had anything there, ever. However if I express interest in the domain name I'll be forced in to an unreasonable offer or some sort of lame bidding scheme. I have legitimate reasons to use the domain name. Are there grounds for disputing a domain name if it goes unused yet locked from registration?

- John

[Webwork]

Domains are like real estate. You can acquire domains like raw land and develop either as time, money and opportunity allows, but there's no rule that says raw land or raw domains must be developed on anyone else's schedule.

The very fact that a domain name has been registered creates one form of public notice that someone is asserting a claim of rights to the same, so your thinking about how to interpret an "unused registration" might be a bit backwards.

[edited by: Webwork at 11:54 pm (utc) on July 24, 2006]

[Quadrille]

A legitimate reason is not the same as a viable claim - that would require that you owned a related trademark, or similar.

I'd guess nine out of ten of us can relate to your problem - but there's no point worrying; find an alternative and move on!

You could make an offer - you'll never know if you don't - or lay a claim via a registrar in case it gets dropped. But many reports suggest that's guaranteed to raise the price out of anyone's reach - despite the $20+ deposit you pay.

[BaseVinyl]

We registered our domain name 4 years ago with an eye on the prize on an industry that hadn't been developed and the lawyers for the opposing side came down on us for registering the domain name but doing nothing with it...<snip> . . it's a wild up and down ride and it's up to you to be careful and in the end you never know what can happen!

[edited by: Webwork at 12:34 pm (utc) on July 26, 2006]
[edit reason]
[1][edit reason] No blog or blog type references please. [/edit] [/edit][/1]

[davezan]

I take it, JAB, you've given some thought how you'd feel if someone did this to you?

What goes around, comes around, after all.

[DonMateo]

And of course it may be used for email or some other purpose that you're not aware of.

[oneguy]

I have legitimate reasons to use the domain name.

How are you different than other people who have legitimate reasons to use the domain name?

Why should it be confiscated from the owner and given to you instead of someone else?

[walkman]

since you have legitimate resons, not only you should get the name for free, but also the owner should you give $5000 so you can develop it. You must have "legitimate reasons" though.

Were you pulling our leg or what?

[PotteryCentre]

Quite confusing isn't it?

There are a lot of domain name with the person name (eg: lisa, sheila, etc.), then who is the one (among thousands with the same name) that legitimate to use the domain name.

[heirJORDAN]

I feel your pain. I waited a while for a domain, and I still am --- but your best bet is to just approach the "owner" and try to negotiate something. You can't always go around expecting things to go your way. Sometimes, you have to just work for it, and if it's not meant to be. Plan B.

[edited by: heirJORDAN at 5:37 am (utc) on July 27, 2006]

[Lexur]

I contacted the owner of my most desired domain name and he asked for a 300$/month lease license. I'm still wondering how this guy registered years ago this domain and why he renews it yearly.

[ritch_b]

I'll be forced in to an unreasonable offer or some sort of lame bidding scheme

Well, as they say in this neck of the woods, shy bairns get nowt; if you don't ask, you don't get! I've approached the owners of several domains and made gentle enquiries as to whether they'd be prepared to sell; in a few cases, it's worked out nicely and, in others, they've either declined or expected an unreasonable price for their domain. You'll never know if you don't try!

Also, as has already been pointed out, a domain doesn't have to visibly have something on it, in order for it to be actively used.

R.

[wmuser]

The only legitimate reason could be if you have had a trademark regsitered before that name was regsitered
Otherwise you should simply try to buy it