Should I Stay Away From Domains that Have Been Seized by the DOJ?

[Domain.BUZZ]

Hey everyone.

Total newbie question, here...

I'm just now getting into the backorder game, and I've picked up a few domains that actually have existing traffic.

Anyway, when I was recently searching for domains on NameJet, I found something unusual, and I wanted to get some opinions on the matter.

The domain I found is

channelsurfing[dot]net

It is expiring soon, and it is currently up for auction.

I know, I know... don't buy [dot]net's...

Don't worry. I'm not going to buy this domain.

So when I went to the URL in my browser, I found a Department of Justice notification that the domain had been seized for copyright infringement. I'm guessing that this website was (illegally) providing free streaming channels or movie downloads without a license. I'm not sure, but whatever the case, it was bad enough for the DOJ to seize it.

My question is not really about channelsurfing[dot]net. It's about seized domains. Should I stay away from them?

If I bid on a seized domain and win it, will I have a hard time actually taking possession of it?

Am I opening myself up to legal problems? Could copyright holders decide to come after me?

My gut feeling tells me to stay away from seized domains, but I'm curious what other people have to say.

Thanks.

-Tim

 

[Johnn]

Your question is your answer. Just switch the words "Should I" to "I should".

 

[silentg]

channelsurfing domain hasn't expired yet. It might even be renewed by DOJ. I wouldn't touch those domains.

Who said .net domains are bad? .Com/.net/.org are safe investments. Just do your research and pay the correct price. Just don't overpay. You should stay away from the hyped up cctld domains.

 

[katherine]

It appears that the US government has been quietly selling seized domains. Who knew Uncle Sam is a domainer ?

 

[Stian]

I know, I know... don't buy [dot]net's...

Who told you that? Some of my best sales are .nets. Yes, domainers in general have seemed to abandon the extension, but there are still endusers out there who buy .nets simply because they can't afford the .com. Just make sure it's a really great keyword so that the .com equivalent is taken or priced too high for most companies to consider it.

 

[Domain.BUZZ]

Who told you that? Some of my best sales are .nets. Yes, domainers in general have seemed to abandon the extension, but there are still endusers out there who buy .nets simply because they can't afford the .com. Just make sure it's a really great keyword so that the .com equivalent is taken or priced too high for most companies to consider it.

Hmm. That's really good advice. Thanks!

 

[Gerry]

Back to your original point.

It is and would be risky to purchase a domain that has a negative history.

If that name you mention is associated with illegal downloads, illegal hacking, illegal streaming video, you will always have that negative hanging over the name and most like will be subjected to scrutiny again in the future.

 

[Gerry]

Who told you that? Some of my best sales are .nets.

Spot on.

 

[shellyboy911]

There're other ways to make money domaining. Choose the path that you can sleep peacefully at night without much worries.

 

[Tia Wood]

It appears that the US government has been quietly selling seized domains. Who knew Uncle Sam is a domainer ?

I wonder what the stats are for government owned domains? Anybody know?

 

[elevatoria]

Be careful friend! A word is enough for the wise. Hun?Do not touch a live cable

 

[Gerry]

Aside from its history, I love the name.