New domain name is a suggestion from a member.

Do I owe him payment for his creativity?

[dataguy]

I operate a highly profitable web site where a member suggested a new feature that is a play on the name of the web site. We've added the feature, and it has become pretty popular.

We've been looking to change the domain name of the site because the current name is too long and doesn't really reflect the type of site that it is. We've located a reasonably priced domain name that would work. It is the name of the feature mentioned above, and since it is a play on the current domain name it would provide a smooth transition to the new name.

My question is, would we be opening ourselves up to some sort of responsibility to pay the member who suggested the name and the feature in the first place? I guess I'd be willing to pay him a few hundred dollars to get him to sign something saying he gives us full rights, but he could potentially want a lot more than that and offering him money could make him think we owe him something.

Any suggestions?

[Webwork]

Murky grayness abounds. Exactly what transpired? Jurisdictional differences? I don't practice in California but I vaguely recall that CA may have a somewhat different "State law" take on a variety of "creative issues" due to the practices of the entertainment (~creative) industry.

Sometimes "let sleeping dogs lie" or "wait for the other shoe to dro" isn't bad advice. Example where I might give it -> fully explored "the story I'm getting" for weak spots or inconsistencies, I have a mostly favorable view of the known/provable facts/law, I have a strong sense that proof of mal/evil intent is absent, the person I'm dealing with would likely be credible and do well before a jury, etc.

My uninformed hunch is that "nothing is owed". My better advice would be to discuss the matter with an IP attorney in whatever jurisdiction might "hold court".

[piskie]

You say "Member" which suggests a Forum or similar.
If so, surely the T&Cs of the Forum place an exclusion or limitation on the commercial entitlement of any member emanating from contributions.