In 2014, we noticed a growing number of domain theft cases. These people contacted us with similar stories: their domain portfolio, usually full of revenue generating websites, has disappeared. Poof. Many times, the victims are not aware of the theft until days or weeks after it happened. In other words, they did not follow some simple steps to protect their domains.
We are happy to report that in 2014, and the early stages of 2015, we recovered possession of approximately 486 domain names with a combined estimated value of over $3.5 million dollars. Many of these domains included three and four letter domain names as well as highly brandable words and phrases.
To recover these domains, we worked with domain name registrars from all over the world, including eNom, Moniker, GoDaddy, NameSilo, OnlineNIC, Tucows, MyDomains, TMnet, Telstra, China Telecom, and others. We reviewed tens of thousands of registrar records to locate the criminal’s IP addresses or other digital fingerprints. Once located, we have served defendants all over the world.
By working closely with registrars, and the Versign registry, we have formed valuable relationships that help speed the pace of recovery.
Every domain theft case involves a complex puzzle of jurisdictional, procedural, and substantive issues. We approach each case with one goal in mind: getting the domains back into our client’s possession as fast as possible. We understand that time is money and every day a domain is inaccessible, you are losing money.
Properly litigating a domain theft case is something that can only be done by experienced Internet attorneys that understand the steps involved. We are proud to help our clients regain possession of their property and look forward to thwarting the efforts of hackers as 2015 continues.
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