One of the things I have learned over the years is that no matter how descriptive a domain name is, there is always the risk that a company will believe it has more rights to the domain name than an investor has. Sometimes, a company will start off by sending a Cease & Desist letter (C&D) to the registrant in an effort to scare the registrant into giving up the domain name for nothing or a pittance. This can be the first salvo in a long legal battle or it can be the last communication.
Responding (or not responding) to a C&D letter may depend on the situation. While it might be tempting to respond on your own, particularly in the case of a serious overreach, I think it is best to hire a good IP attorney with domain name expertise to evaluate the situation and come up with a best response (or non-response). An attorney might suggest how to reply or might be able to write a strong response if necessary, depending on the exact situation.
Logan Flatt shared a brief snippet about a recent situation he was in and gave thanks to attorney Jason Schaeffer for his assistance:
Thank you to domain name attorney, @TLDadvisor Jason Schaeffer, for helping me address a C&D from a large company about a domain that I won at auction only a week earlier. Jason crafted a one letter response that shut them down fast. They then paid full price for the domain! 👍
— Logan (@LoganFlatt) September 23, 2021
Not only did Jason’s response get the other party to back off, but it helped to close a full-price deal. I don’t know the exact situation to comment on whether or not the company had a leg to stand on with their grievance, but it’s a pretty solid outcome for Logan and his company to get a deal closed.
Over the years, I have seen quite a few people mention C&D letters and other types of threats. Some people are combative with their replies and others simply surrender the domain name. Each situation is different, and I think getting legal advice from an experienced attorney is the first thing that should be done to get an unbiased evaluation of the situation and potential outcomes.
A good attorney will also tell you if you’re in the wrong and shouldn’t fight it.
Yes – for sure. He may also be able to get a signed letter assuring the registrant that no legal action will be taken once the domain name is transferred.
Great advice for Domain Speculators.
Congrats to Logan on the sell, despite the bullying tactics of the corporation.
Is there a template letter we normal people can use or only have to hire a high priced attorneys at law to “fight” against another high priced attorneys at law?
“fight”= in cahoots
As the saying goes— one lawyer in town-no business
2 lawyers in town- that where the business starts kicking in.
circle of live for themselves.
Fuck you shiteater garbage. There is no such thing as good attorney. Wake up idiot.
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No fees unless you win.
Just sign the dotted line…..he he he
Best thing to do with C&D letters, ignore them.
Even if you are in the wrong, if they don’t know who you are they can’t do much.
hi domaininvesting,
I like your ideas, what’s your advice people must try.
thanks for helping people
Any idea how much an IP lawyer will approximately charge to reply?
Good to know.