Warning: Stolen domain.
Domain names that get stolen can bring devastating losses to their owners; in the meantime, cybercriminals that engage in domain crime activity attempt to reap great profits.
The proliferation of domain theft is a serious reality, and although there is a monetary incentive that propels such criminal activity, it is being addressed in a fragmented way.
Domain auction venues may or may not be aware of stolen domain names that might be auctioned or sold on their respective platforms.
Sedo has a dedicated stolen domain policy, that states the following:
Along with protecting intellectual property rights, Sedo is committed to protecting domain ownership rights, whether those of our users, third parties, or our own. Because we are in the business of buying, selling, and auctioning domains, valid domain ownership is a crucial part of our business. Respecting such ownership is necessary and we will not tolerate actions of domain theft and/or hijacking.
Sedo created the Stolen Domain Procedure so domain owners could easily report activity that causes an interruption in their ownership rights. Please use the links below to learn more about Sedo’s efforts to protect domain ownership rights.
If anyone notices that their domain names were stolen and listed for sale at Sedo, they can report these stolen domains using the following procedure:
- When you originally registered the domain;
- When you last registered or renewed the domain;
- When you last had the domain under your control;
- When you found out it had been stolen from you;
- Whether or not you know or can name the person who is now in control of the domain;
- The statement: “I have a good faith belief that the domain in question has been unlawfully removed from my control and the current registrant obtained the domain through fraudulent means.”
- The statement: “I have either initiated a legal action with my local police or a currently unresolved complaint with the domain’s registrar to recover the domain.”
- Once Sedo has received your complaint, an investigation will commence and you will be informed of the outcome within five business days.
For more information on the Sedo policy for stolen domain names, click here.
