Sucks that Bodog.com isn't even used now

[wjb316]

What a waste. If you're going to jerk someone's expensive domain name out from under them, the least you could do is maybe, you know, USE IT.

[resipsa]

What a waste. If you're going to jerk someone's expensive domain name out from under them, the least you could do is maybe, you know, USE IT.

They can't without violating bodog's trademark.

[Tom]

They can't without violating bodog's trademark.

I am not clear on the whole situation, but what is the point of even owning the domain name if you can't use it?

[wjb316]

I can see them wanting the site taken down if they competed for the word in some way, but, even after researching it on google, I can't remember the name or purpose of the other company.

[resipsa]

I am not clear on the whole situation, but what is the point of even owning the domain name if you can't use it?

The company that now owns the Bodog.com domain name (and other bodog domain names) orginaly sued bodog alleging a patent violation. I have no personal knowledge of the facts of the underlying case, but the prevailing wisdom is that this patent infringment suit was frivolous. However, when Bodog didn't show up when sued the judge issued a default judgement against Bodog. In order to collect on this judgement the court allowed the plaintiff to seize Bodog assests that were within the courts jurisdiction. As the domain name was held at a registrar under US jurisdiction, the plaintiff was able to seize the domains until such time as bodog paid the default judgment (or succeeded in having it reversed). However, just having control of these domains does not give the plaintiff the right to violate bodog's trademark which really ties their hands on the use of these domains. All they can do is hold them hostage trying to get Bodog to pay off some ridiculous payment. Apparently Bodog chose not to do this and is currently in litigation attempting to overturn the original default judgment and reverse the seizure of the domains.

Bottom line, I'm sure the current holders of the bodog domains would love to be using them right now, but their options are severely limited.