In simple terms, Reverse Domain Name Hijacking (RDNH) is when a person or company try to take your domain name from you using the UDRP (Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy) process, or via a case filed in Federal court. Reverse hijacking is attempted by making a false claim of trademark infringement intended to scare a domain registrant into giving up their domain name.

The domain registrant will typically receive a cease & desist letter accusing the registrant of infringing on a trademark (that is arguably weak or non-existent). The letter may demand that the registrant either cancel the domain registration through their sponsoring registrar, or transfer the domain name to the person/company claiming the infringement.

Reverse hijacking is more easily defended in regard to generic domain names. Pure generic and geographical domain names enjoy considerable protection under U.S. trademark law, and there is an extensive body of case precedent supporting this conclusion. That is excellent news for holders of generic domain names. However, some unscrupulous companies will try their luck with the UDRP process in the hope that you, the registrant, will fail to respond to their UDRP claim.

Key point: Always respond to a UDRP claim. They are winnable. You have 20 days to file a response to a UDRP. Reverse hijackers feel they have nothing to lose since submitting a UDRP claim can be done for as little as $1250. If you fail to respond to a claim in the allotted time, then the hijacker will win by default and your domain name will likely be transferred to the hijacker simply on your failure to respond.

There are cases in which a registrant was out of the country on business or vacation, and did not get back home in time to respond to a UDRP claim. So checking mail and email at least weekly is obviously important. If you lose a UDRP against a hijacker, you have 10 days to file a civil lawsuit for “injunctive relief” which will take the case to court where you can have the unjust UDRP decision overturned. However, it’s much easier to just respond to the UDRP and win the case up front.

Listed below are additional resources to further your research

• USPTO.gov (United States Patent & Trademark Office – Trademark Search)
• WIPO (World Intellectual Property Org. – UDRP Domain Name Case Search)
• NAF (National Arbitration Forum – UDRP Domain Name Case Search)
• DomainFight.net (an excellent site that will search the database of both WIPO & NAF)

Domain Attorneys (with numerous wins to their credit) 

• Ari Goldberger
• John Berryhill

Cybersquatting, Internet Domains Cybersquatting, RDNH, reverse hijacking

Sinking a hole-in-one is the aspiration of most premium domain name owners. Whether through successful site development or an eventual domain buyout, a substantial return-on-investment (ROI) is the minimum expectation.

There is a confluence of factors that feed into the dynamics of a “domain name for sale”. First is the individual’s motivation for selling. This can vary greatly from person to person and is often a private consideration that may or may not be disclosed to a potential buyer. Seller personality traits, personal financial situation, domaining experience, and portfolio size are also potentially relevant factors that play into the overall equation.

As a seller, your most important starting point is a proper valuation of the internet property you are considering selling. As is documented on this site, premium domain valuation can be somewhat complex. When an exact price/value cannot be comfortably defined, then a value range will suffice in the marketplace. Ultimately, to effect the sale, you as seller must arrive at a final price you can live with.

A true premium domain has the potential to reach very high plateaus of success depending on who acquires the domain and to what extent the property is developed and branded into a major asset. The question for most domainers is “Just how premium is my domain name?”.

From a personal point of view, I have seen domain owners both overvalue and undervalue their domain properties by a significant margin. Domain name forums are full of for sale postings that read “premium domain for sale”. When in reality, the domain is nowhere close to premium. Conversely, I have seen domainers sell their high quality domain asset well below it’s true value … which usually ends in seller’s remorse. Once a domain is gone, it’s gone.

In dealing with a prospective buyer, a seller is well-advised to consider that the buyer may not have much knowledge of the domain industry. Some general education and discussion may be necessary to help the buyer appreciate how the premium domain will create company recognition, attract customers, and act as a brand and business asset which will appreciate over time. The domain, if premium, will function as a top class portal (and business driver) that can elevate the buyer’s company above the competition.

If the buyer cannot envision the potential enhancement to their company, then they may back away or try to negotiate the price downward. You, as seller, may be faced with the option of agreeing to sell for less, or simply thanking the buyer for their interest and moving on.

Sometimes the buyer’s offer lands in the bottom of your price range. And to sell may make sense given your needs at that time. If the buyer’s offer is close (but too low), then creative thinking can sometimes move the deal forward. There are agreements in which the seller has accepted a less than stellar cash offer, but retained 5% ownership in the domain (including future gross earnings) for a period of 5 or 10 years. Such compromises require very clear contract language such that any ambiguity is removed, and both parties are crystal clear on any contingencies or recourse for problems should they arise.

Another option, if working with a motivated buyer, is to assist with financing of the domain purchase (either by referral, or by actually accepting a down payment yourself and working out a monthly payment schedule with a defined buyout date). Still yet, another avenue is to lease the domain to the buyer (via a tight contract) that allows optional buyout of the premium domain, or provides the leaser first right of refusal should you receive a great purchase offer during the lease period.

To close, premium domain investing is an investment vehicle with monetization options & numerous exit points along the path of ownership. Premium domain names sell themselves eventually as businesses look to maximize their opportunities via the incredible growth of the internet. The pool of potential buyers is often national (if not global), and far larger than the relatively small domain name investment community itself.

Consequently, sellers should not only examine their sales/development time horizon, but also consider the size of the potential market for the premium domain, and to what extent that pool of buyers are aware of the premium domain name and its likely benefit to their company. As with rare art (or any industry-specific business), you don’t just sell them to anyone. A good fit is required. Premium domains are sold to a custom clientele who appreciate their value, and who can appropriately utilize the asset.

• Readers may also enjoy: Domain Name Negotiation

Domain Sales, Internet Domains buy domain, domain negotiation, sell domain