Someone has domain name similar to mine? What to do?

[getnit01]

Hey, i have a unique situation. I have a website with the same business name as another companies website (just one letter different - an "s"). So i looked up the whois to figure out who the owner was to see if i could get the domain name from him/her.

It turns out the website is not owned by the company that has the same name as mine but by a website design company, here is the funny part, they are out of business now and have tons of legal problems with taxes and what not. The domain expires next summer. (i dont want to wait) So basically, the company who has the same name as me, doesnt even own the website (weird right).

Is there a way for me to get the domain legally? I mean people have tried to take my domain name before.

Can i prove that i deserve the domain name and have it transfered over to me without any problems?

I appreciate your answers. Thanks for your concern.

[kaled]

I don't think this is particularly unusual. I have read many threads over the years regarding website developers registering domain names for clients but doing so in their own name to try to stop the client switching to another developer.

It sounds as though another company probably has a somewhat stronger claim than you do, but you might have a case if the other domain was set up to look and feel like yours, i.e. if you could show that they were trying to poach/confuse your customers.

Kaled.

[mike031]

google "udrp"

a long shot.......

your best bet is to contact the current owner and try to sweet talk em to sell you the name ;)