GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! - DNForum - Domain Sales, Domain Forum, Domain Appraisals, Domain Registrars

**DomainEmpire.com** · 10-31-2005, 06:32 AM

It's the first time someone sues us for a trademark violation at godaddy and, big surprise, they charged our card for US$29 without our authorization, is this normal ?
We'd be seriously tempted to ask for a chargeback and to leave them forever, not for the unauthorized charge but for the fact they charged us with no previous notice, we were unaware of this rule ...

Here's the message they sent us:

***
Dear ---------,

We recently received an inquiry related to your domain name,
---------.xxx. The specific inquiry related to your domain name can be
described as follows:

domain dispute - National Arbitration Forum. Questions to
domaindisputes@godaddy.com

In accordance with our registration agreeement,
https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/legal...ation_GD.asp?p
rog_id=GoDaddy&isc=&se=&from_app=,
we have charged your credit card in the amount of $29.00 for our processing
of this inquiry.

If you have any questions concerning the above, please contact our customer
service center.

Thank you for your continued business,
GoDaddy.com
***

But shouldn't be the complainant to cover all related service fees, at least until the arbitration forum would not have determined who has the right to own such domain ?
I've been really disappointed by their behavior ...

**Focus** · 10-31-2005, 06:51 AM

Godaddy, love em and hate em

**DomainLord** · 10-31-2005, 07:58 AM

I have never heard of this happening to tell you the truth. I have several names with godaddy and have recieved a letter from a company but godaddy has never charged my account without my permission. I would file a chargeback if I were you. I really would be courious as to what the charge was for. It does not sound like you got charged for the violation as that would be a higher amount. It looks like they charged you for processing. Also I would check my credit card to make sure it was an actual charge and not a spoof email. You could always call them and have them explain it. If you dont agree then file a chargeback....

**MessagePop** · 10-31-2005, 08:15 AM

This is a well-known behavior of GoDaddy and I thought everyone knew it.
In a previous case, I think it was $9.95, though.

**nitronet** · 10-31-2005, 08:21 AM

I wouldn't use Godaddy in they were free...the bottom of the barrel.

**dodo1** · 10-31-2005, 10:03 AM

Moved to Domain Registrars forum.

**JuniperPark** · 10-31-2005, 01:28 PM

The inquiry wasn't yours, so you're not "the customer" for this service. I think they violated terms of their merchant account, it's not an authorized charged.

If they ARE doing this, gee, what fun we could have. Find a competitor a person you just don't like who uses Godaddy, send it a bunch of bogus trademark claims, and watch the hilarity as Godaddy maxes out their credit card!

Just had a GREAT idea -- file some bogus trademark claims against "Godaddy.com", the president's blog's domain name, and all the variations. Let them have fun charging themselves for their 'services'.

**Focus** · 10-31-2005, 02:11 PM

just call them I am sure they will refund the charge....they do just about anything I ask them to considering I have like 700+ names there..

**sdsinc** · 10-31-2005, 03:30 PM

Talk about daylight robbery !
Before you initiate a chargeback try to speak to them.
Read the T&C once again. After all you are supposed to have agreed with them. Then consider your options.

**manueld64** · 10-31-2005, 05:01 PM

well it was in the registration agreement, got to make sure you read that legalese, that would go for their own domains as well, like godaddyhost.com they just took from whoever registered it first cuz it was a trademark name, wal-mart always wins their trademark domain disputes, so just make sure the domain you register does not have an explicit trademark registered already

**Acro** · 10-31-2005, 07:01 PM

You say GoDaddy - I say No Daddy.
This $29 charge is known to exist for years now.
Sorry to hear you got whipped.

**Dave Zan** · 10-31-2005, 08:12 PM

http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/legal_...ageid=REG%5FSA

Quote:

Go Daddy reserves the right to charge a reasonable service fee for administrative tasks outside the scope of its regular services. These include, but are not limited to, customer service issues that cannot be handled over email but require personal service, and disputes that require legal services. These charges will be billed to the Payment Method we have on file for You.

It’s open-ended, of course. But more or less, it gives Go Daddy a justification
(some may think "excuse" is a better term) for doing so.

However, I asked them this before and they said they'll refund the registrant
upon receiving notice of such. I just wish, though, they'll be specific at least.

Duncan · 10-31-2005, 09:08 PM

One more reason to MOVE to MONIKER!

**JuniperPark** · 11-01-2005, 09:09 AM

That agreement does not say I have to pay for services *OTHERS* have ordered -- which means it was an unauthorized credit card charge. Again, the important point is that they are performing services for someone else, not you (the customer).

**Steen** · 11-02-2005, 01:49 AM

JuniperPark makes a good point. Even if you've agreed to their "general T&Cs" they are most likely not conforming to their merchant account agreement and/or Visa, MasterCard, Amex policies.

**Acro** · 11-02-2005, 01:50 AM

I don't recommend them.

**AmericanBulldog** · 11-02-2005, 05:30 PM

I'll second the above post, another reason to choose Moniker.

Godaddy have also been known to hold domains to ransom when complaints are launched, charging the owner $299 or keeping the domain, for something like someone complaining you spammed them by asking for a link trade.

Go-->Moniker

**DomainEmpire.com** · 11-03-2005, 03:23 AM

Uhm, thanks for all your feedbacks ... I contacted them and they said, in brief, that having accepted their registration agreement, I was automatically aware of their right to charge me that fee.

Ok, at this point I'll ask for a chargeback because I can't tolerate such behavior !

**nitronet** · 11-03-2005, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DomainEmpire.com

Uhm, thanks for all your feedbacks ... I contacted them and they said, in brief, that having accepted their registration agreement, I was automatically aware of their right to charge me that fee.

Ok, at this point I'll ask for a chargeback because I can't tolerate such behavior !

Get all of your domains out of there first.

They will probably lock your account when you chargeback.

They suck anyway...lots of better registrars out there.

**DomainEmpire.com** · 11-05-2005, 02:50 AM

I agree, I'm unlocking anything to go ahead with a bulk transfer

10-31-2005, 06:32 AM	#1 (permalink)
DomainEmpire.com Platinum Lifetime Member Last Online: 07-01-2009 02:57 AM iTrader: (79) Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,575 DNF$: 6,487 Location: Italy Country:	GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! It's the first time someone sues us for a trademark violation at godaddy and, big surprise, they charged our card for US$29 without our authorization, is this normal ? We'd be seriously tempted to ask for a chargeback and to leave them forever, not for the unauthorized charge but for the fact they charged us with no previous notice, we were unaware of this rule ... Here's the message they sent us: * Dear ---------, We recently received an inquiry related to your domain name, ---------.xxx. The specific inquiry related to your domain name can be described as follows: domain dispute - National Arbitration Forum. Questions to domaindisputes@godaddy.com In accordance with our registration agreeement, https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/legal...ation_GD.asp?p rog_id=GoDaddy&isc=&se=&from_app=, we have charged your credit card in the amount of $29.00 for our processing of this inquiry. If you have any questions concerning the above, please contact our customer service center. Thank you for your continued business, GoDaddy.com * But shouldn't be the complainant to cover all related service fees, at least until the arbitration forum would not have determined who has the right to own such domain ? I've been really disappointed by their behavior ... __________________ www.DomainEmpire.com > Interesting selection of quality domains at wholesale prices - Generic words, famous places, LLLL & more ... for sale or for trade.

10-31-2005, 06:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Focus Burn Down Babylon Name: Chris Last Online: Yesterday 02:49 PM iTrader: (108) Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 8,932 DNF$: 18,144 Location: Dirty South Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! Godaddy, love em and hate em __________________ HEY! Buying Typos & Generics of Credit Card/Banking/Credit Report/Insurance/Loans/Auto Domains with traffic only! PM ME FOR CASH RIGHT NOW!

10-31-2005, 07:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
DomainLord Exclusive Lifetime Member Last Online: 01-04-2007 08:05 PM iTrader: (4) Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 200 DNF$: 3,352 Location: Alabama Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! I have never heard of this happening to tell you the truth. I have several names with godaddy and have recieved a letter from a company but godaddy has never charged my account without my permission. I would file a chargeback if I were you. I really would be courious as to what the charge was for. It does not sound like you got charged for the violation as that would be a higher amount. It looks like they charged you for processing. Also I would check my credit card to make sure it was an actual charge and not a spoof email. You could always call them and have them explain it. If you dont agree then file a chargeback....

10-31-2005, 08:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
MessagePop Gold Lifetime Member Last Online: 05-30-2009 11:15 AM iTrader: (0) Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7 DNF$: 118	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! This is a well-known behavior of GoDaddy and I thought everyone knew it. In a previous case, I think it was $9.95, though.

10-31-2005, 08:21 AM	#5 (permalink)
nitronet DNF Regular Last Online: 06-29-2009 08:45 AM iTrader: (28) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 670 DNF$: 5,690 Location: Palm Beach Florida	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! I wouldn't use Godaddy in they were free...the bottom of the barrel. __________________ I once thought I was wrong... But I was mistaken.

10-31-2005, 10:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
dodo1 DNF Addict Name: Dominik Mueller Last Online: Today 06:44 AM iTrader: (32) Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,358 DNF$: 3,161 Location: .DE Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! Moved to Domain Registrars forum. __________________ Domain Blog \| Recommended Domain Registrars

10-31-2005, 01:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
JuniperPark Last Online: Today 09:45 AM iTrader: (79) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,114 DNF$: 1,886 Location: San Diego, CA Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! The inquiry wasn't yours, so you're not "the customer" for this service. I think they violated terms of their merchant account, it's not an authorized charged. If they ARE doing this, gee, what fun we could have. Find a competitor a person you just don't like who uses Godaddy, send it a bunch of bogus trademark claims, and watch the hilarity as Godaddy maxes out their credit card! Just had a GREAT idea -- file some bogus trademark claims against "Godaddy.com", the president's blog's domain name, and all the variations. Let them have fun charging themselves for their 'services'. __________________ *The only domain reseller BRAVE* enough to post prices: TheNameStore.com** ][ Last edited by JuniperPark; 10-31-2005 at 01:33 PM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

10-31-2005, 02:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
Focus Burn Down Babylon Name: Chris Last Online: Yesterday 02:49 PM iTrader: (108) Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 8,932 DNF$: 18,144 Location: Dirty South Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! just call them I am sure they will refund the charge....they do just about anything I ask them to considering I have like 700+ names there.. __________________ HEY! Buying Typos & Generics of Credit Card/Banking/Credit Report/Insurance/Loans/Auto Domains with traffic only! PM ME FOR CASH RIGHT NOW!

10-31-2005, 03:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
sdsinc Missing in action Name: Kate Last Online: Today 11:58 AM iTrader: (36) Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 4,041 DNF$: 24,584 Location: Paradise Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! Talk about daylight robbery ! Before you initiate a chargeback try to speak to them. Read the T&C once again. After all you are supposed to have agreed with them. Then consider your options. __________________ Buy now - MassDeveloper.com $500

10-31-2005, 05:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
manueld64 Gold Lifetime Member Last Online: 09-18-2007 07:24 PM iTrader: (0) Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 174 DNF$: 446 Location: Arizona	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! well it was in the registration agreement, got to make sure you read that legalese, that would go for their own domains as well, like godaddyhost.com they just took from whoever registered it first cuz it was a trademark name, wal-mart always wins their trademark domain disputes, so just make sure the domain you register does not have an explicit trademark registered already

10-31-2005, 07:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
Acro Jean Reno's double Last Online: Yesterday 11:54 PM iTrader: (382) Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 22,129 DNF$: 3,123 Location: USA Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! You say GoDaddy - I say No Daddy. This $29 charge is known to exist for years now. Sorry to hear you got whipped. __________________ Domaining.com - Where Domainers read their news Acroplex - Web & Graphics Development Acro.net - My Blog

10-31-2005, 09:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
Duncan DNF Addict Name: Andy Laws Last Online: Today 01:18 AM iTrader: (82) Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 3,702 DNF$: 1,806 Location: North Carolina Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! One more reason to MOVE to MONIKER! __________________ UniformCreator.com My Countdown Counting down to: Pepperdine University 44 days 10 hours 28 minutes

11-01-2005, 09:09 AM	#14 (permalink)
JuniperPark Last Online: Today 09:45 AM iTrader: (79) Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 2,114 DNF$: 1,886 Location: San Diego, CA Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! That agreement does not say I have to pay for services OTHERS have ordered -- which means it was an unauthorized credit card charge. Again, the important point is that they are performing services for someone else, not you (the customer). __________________ *The only domain reseller BRAVE* enough to post prices: TheNameStore.com** ][

11-02-2005, 01:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
Steen Platinum Lifetime Member Last Online: 07-01-2009 01:06 AM iTrader: (12) Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 4,881 DNF$: 1,808 Location: White Rock, BC Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! JuniperPark makes a good point. Even if you've agreed to their "general T&Cs" they are most likely not conforming to their merchant account agreement and/or Visa, MasterCard, Amex policies. __________________ Get an eNom resellers account free and instantly,click here - Automated Signup!

11-02-2005, 01:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
Acro Jean Reno's double Last Online: Yesterday 11:54 PM iTrader: (382) Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 22,129 DNF$: 3,123 Location: USA Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! I don't recommend them. __________________ Domaining.com - Where Domainers read their news Acroplex - Web & Graphics Development Acro.net - My Blog

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

11-02-2005, 05:30 PM	#17 (permalink)
AmericanBulldog DNF Regular Last Online: 09-23-2008 08:34 PM iTrader: (81) Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 585 DNF$: 10,639 Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! I'll second the above post, another reason to choose Moniker. Godaddy have also been known to hold domains to ransom when complaints are launched, charging the owner $299 or keeping the domain, for something like someone complaining you spammed them by asking for a link trade. Go-->Moniker __________________ Moniker, test domains for up to 4 days, great rates for domainers. http://affiliates.moniker.com/pub/Af...gpage=register

11-03-2005, 03:23 AM	#18 (permalink)
DomainEmpire.com Platinum Lifetime Member Last Online: 07-01-2009 02:57 AM iTrader: (79) Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,575 DNF$: 6,487 Location: Italy Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! Uhm, thanks for all your feedbacks ... I contacted them and they said, in brief, that having accepted their registration agreement, I was automatically aware of their right to charge me that fee. Ok, at this point I'll ask for a chargeback because I can't tolerate such behavior ! __________________ www.DomainEmpire.com > Interesting selection of quality domains at wholesale prices - Generic words, famous places, LLLL & more ... for sale or for trade.

11-05-2005, 02:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
DomainEmpire.com Platinum Lifetime Member Last Online: 07-01-2009 02:57 AM iTrader: (79) Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,575 DNF$: 6,487 Location: Italy Country:	Re: GoDaddy charged us $29 for trademark violation ! I agree, I'm unlocking anything to go ahead with a bulk transfer __________________ www.DomainEmpire.com > Interesting selection of quality domains at wholesale prices - Generic words, famous places, LLLL & more ... for sale or for trade.

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