Internet domain name

[Kenya2012]

We are an SME and have gone through the process of registering our company name as a trademark which has been granted by the UKIPO.

Our original website as a ".com" site using the trademarked name was set up by one of the founding partners who has since exited the business and no longer has any commercial or shareholding interest in the business. Unfortunately he set it up with his personal internet provider as part of his personal account at the internet provider (all costs associated with this were reimbursed to him). Since the founder left we have been trying to recover use of the domain name to update the site but the gentleman concerned does not return any messages or telephone calls.

We have contacted the internet provider but they claim to be unable to take any action as the site is held under the individual's personal account.

How should we proceed to try and recover the use of the website?

Many thanks for any ideas or suggestions.

[Mabel]

Re: Internet domain name

Hi Kenya 2012

I know of another person who had the same predicament.
There are a number of difficulties here,
You mention "our company" unfortunately the individual concerned has created a website domain in their name and all billing has gone to their personal account, ( not via the company or business) so an internet provider, will be unable to change the personal account without the individual concerned giving permission to change this.
A domain name has to be updated and paid on a yearly basis,
Can you negotiate further with the individual ?
When does the domain name expire ?
In the case that I know, the new company gained the domain name , when the yearly payment expired
I understand that this isn't very helpful

I wish you all the best
Mabel

Any opinions I give are Mablel's info, Any advice is without liability. If you are unsure , please seek qualified legal advice

[JJR]

Re: Internet domain name

Yea I think you need to have his permission to buy it from him or wait for it to expire. Very annoying but I'm not sure there's anything else you can do either.