Legal Question in Business Law in California

Domain was Hijacked! Got it back, but whats next?

An ex-associate somehow got access to my account with a popular domain registry and attempted to take ownership of my domains.

Now I'm not versed in Law whatsoever, but the first thing that comes to mind is criminal theft and fraud. Possible even identity theft (because he had to convince the domain registrar he was me).

I have the full cooperation of the domain registrar and I'm wondering what do I do next?


Asked on 4/20/06, 1:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Timothy J. Walton Internet Attorney

Re: Domain was Hijacked! Got it back, but whats next?

Can you show damages?

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Answered on 4/21/06, 12:49 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Domain was Hijacked! Got it back, but whats next?

Criminal actions are prosecuted by district attorneys, not private parties, but launching an investigation and perhaps a prosecution often starts with a complaint from the victim, especially when it's a non-violent, "white collar" kind of crime. If you want to pursue it as such, I think the next step is to contact law enforcement (police or sheriff) in the city or county where the illegal activity took place, and ask to make a report. I cannot predict how much interest the cops or the D.A. will show in this particular situation.

You could also file a civil lawsuit of some kind, maybe based on breach of contract, maybe a tort such as interference with business advantage, perhaps both contract and tort. The problem is that if you haven't suffered any monetary loss, you may not get any monetary recovery even if you win your civil suit.

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Answered on 4/20/06, 5:58 pm


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