Acquired govt domain

robwayne · Sep 12, 2004

I acquired usconsulbaghdad.com
The US Consul in Iraq WAS using it.
Did I violate any laws? AM I an electronic terrorist?
Should I SELL it back to government if they approach me?
Should I get an internet lawyer?
Please advise.

David G · Sep 12, 2004

The US Govt uses mostly the .gov ext so if someone else has the .com they likely do not care. Doubt if any law is violated.

If you ever develop the name (even a 1 page site, or a ppc page) I suggest you put a clear and conspicuous notice on the page that you are not a govt agency, also have an easy to see text link to the actual agency (along with their Icon which you should also make clickable link to the govt site) and even go so far as to put another notice on the site that the US Govt can have the name free or reg fee reimbursement (very unlikely they will pay for it anyway) if they contact you and request it. Seriously doubt you will ever hear from them.