Domain I want was due to expire but has suddenly renewed

[Mildredop]

I have a .co.uk website and the .com domain was taken but didn't have a website linked to it. Whois said it was due to expire on 31 May 2020 (today) so I thought I'd wait for it.

A few weeks ago I got a unsolicited, random email saying the .com was available to buy and would I want it. I ignored the email figuring they'd want a lot for it.

Looking at whois today, the domain now says it's owned by SK Creations Inc. from 28 May 2020 until 28 May 2021. They apparently "specialize in website development, search engine optimization, and internet marketing." They're selling it for $5,000.

This feels a little unfair. I could've bought the domain for the likely $20 fee but instead a company has bought it with no intention of using it, but just trying to profit from it. Is this allowed? Can companies just buy domains and sit on them?

 

[Plutonius]

I have a .co.uk website and the .com domain was taken but didn't have a website linked to it. Whois said it was due to expire on 31 May 2020 (today) so I thought I'd wait for it.

A few weeks ago I got a unsolicited, random email saying the .com was available to buy and would I want it. I ignored the email figuring they'd want a lot for it.

Looking at whois today, the domain now says it's owned by SK Creations Inc. from 28 May 2020 until 28 May 2021. They apparently "specialize in website development, search engine optimization, and internet marketing." They're selling it for $5,000.

This feels a little unfair. I could've bought the domain for the likely $20 fee but instead a company has bought it with no intention of using it, but just trying to profit from it. Is this allowed? Can companies just buy domains and sit on them?

Anyone can buy a domain name that is available.

Large corporations can take someone to court and sometimes win a domain name.

Otherwise, the person / group should pick something else or pay the company for the rights to that name.

 

[eyoungren]

I have a .co.uk website and the .com domain was taken but didn't have a website linked to it. Whois said it was due to expire on 31 May 2020 (today) so I thought I'd wait for it.

A few weeks ago I got a unsolicited, random email saying the .com was available to buy and would I want it. I ignored the email figuring they'd want a lot for it.

Looking at whois today, the domain now says it's owned by SK Creations Inc. from 28 May 2020 until 28 May 2021. They apparently "specialize in website development, search engine optimization, and internet marketing." They're selling it for $5,000.

This feels a little unfair. I could've bought the domain for the likely $20 fee but instead a company has bought it with no intention of using it, but just trying to profit from it. Is this allowed? Can companies just buy domains and sit on them?

There is no requirement to use any domain that you legally purchase.

You were offered the chance to buy the domain and ignored it. The company snapped it up before you did. Maybe they got an offer too - and acted on it.

Nothing unfair about that. It's like arguing that its unfair to be sniped on eBay.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Sorry, @Mildredop, you snooze you lose.