Charleston, WV asked in Internet Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for West Virginia

Q: If my domain name has not been sold yet but has been marked as abandoned do I own it still or can I retrieve the name

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If your domain name is marked as abandoned, it's crucial to understand what that means in the context of domain registration and ownership. Typically, a domain is marked as abandoned when it has expired and has not been renewed by the owner within the grace period provided by the domain registrar.

To determine if you can still retrieve the domain, check with the registrar that managed your domain. Each registrar has specific policies regarding domain expiration, renewal, and re-registration. It's possible that the domain may still be in a redemption period, during which you might be able to reclaim it, usually for an additional fee.

However, if the domain has moved beyond the redemption period, it might have been released for public registration. In this case, anyone can register the domain, and your ability to retrieve it would depend on whether it has been registered by someone else.

Act quickly to contact your registrar, as timing is critical in these situations. They will provide the most accurate information on the status of your domain and the steps you can take.

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