Buying Expired Domains

Are there any legality problems buying an expired domain that is someone first and last name?

Even with a disclaimer could they purse legal ramifications?

Depends. Anybody can sue anybody for anything, right? You need to ask yourself what is your objective doing this. Are you trying to piggyback off the name for your own gain? If it's purpose is a matter of misrepresenting or spoofing someone's "personal brand", say like a celebrity or famous name (Like Alan Hale dot com is expired or is going to, not sure date) a trademark infringement or impersonating someone else that's a problem. Disclaimer if it's parody or tribute, not trickery. But registering a common name JohnSmith.com is so generic- hard to dispute. Just like dictionary words, but people do file UDRP's on them too.

I've registered several, so don’t worry about that. Anybody can name themselves anything.

names can't be copyrighted, so you're good to go

They don't have any legal obligation on domain even if their full name is in domain. Also the domain is expired anyone can buy it.

or just change your name to your new domain name and there you have your own legal right that will be hard to argue against

Not unless you copy-paste the old site. Even if you copy-paste the old site and get DMCA, if you react to the first or second DMCA infringement notices (if the original owner makes any), you're safe.

cmac434 said:

Are there any legality problems buying an expired domain that is someone first and last name?

Even with a disclaimer could they purse legal ramifications?

Click to expand...

It would depend on the name. Bill Smith is fine, but try to register Donald Trump or Kim Kardashian related ones and prepare for the legal letters and emails.

If its a common name then no issue if its a unique name its risky

If your website have any reference/pic/post related to tat person then he/she may file a dispute to claim the domain as registered in bad faith, cyber squatting, impersonating