Safe response to unsolicited purchase offers?

[Meridian66]

Hello everyone,

How do you normally respond to an unsolicited offer to purchase a domain name if it is not for sale and you have no intention of selling it? I normally either:

a) Ignore the email, or
b) Write a short, polite reply indicating it is not for sale.

I have never had any followup legal issues with this, but have recently had contact from a law firm acting on behalf of a client. How can I best respond to such unsolicited offers safely, minimizing the risk of subsequent issues in case I need to respond to a UDRP filing from someone determined to obtain the name?

Thanks,
Mer.

 

[denny007]

a

 

[Ian]

as a rule of thumb, you can't ignore a c&d

 

[denny007]

as a rule of thumb, you can't ignore a c&d

I did so like 100 times.

 

[TheLegendaryJP]

Clarity is needed.

UDRP or offer to purchase, which is it ? Perhaps both issues ?

 

[Meridian66]

UDRP or offer to purchase, which is it ? Perhaps both issues ?

Offers to purchase. So far I've never had a UDRP or C&D in over 5 years of owning the domain despite a regular trickle of unsolicited purchase offers. However, I've noticed a few related TM registrations over the years, and a new one just a few months ago, so I'm sure to face a challenge by someone eventually.

I'm trying to be as careful as possible so as to continue to own and use the domain. It would be a major hassle if I lost it due to the fact that I have a nuimber of important and long-established email addresses using the name. I'm not sure what I'd do if the domain was taken away. Maybe I should be preparing a defense in advance?

 

[DNQuest.com]

For unsolicited offers of domains not for sale, I respond by saying I have no interest in selling the domain, and currently am in the midst of developing the domain. However, I would listen to offers for the domain.

As far as ignoring C+Ds, I would never suggest doing so, you need to state your case upfront iof it is a good domain and you can show good faith registration. IF you are obviously squatting, then dont answer and let legals take thier course.

 

[Dave Zan]

I did so like 100 times.

Because they can't catch you...yet. :tongue1:

 

[denny007]

Because they can't catch you...yet. :tongue1:

And how exactly they are supposed to "catch me" ? I think FBI/CIA/NSA/whoever has now other tasks than some guy sitting in China monetizing typos...

 

[labrocca]

Denny...yer a trip bro.

As for OP. Keep all these email offers in a file just in case you do get a C&D later from them because you don't sell. I would consider their offer proof you have legitimate rights to the domain that they recognize.

 

[denny007]

Denny...yer a trip bro

Huh ?