GoDaddy sold the domain name UFOs.com at an auction. Its registration expired and was not extended in time. The starting price of the lot was $9,100 but eventually it was sold for $88,000. But the circumstances in the run up to the auction were much more important than the final price. Domain registration was not extended before the deadline because its registrant Harry Josephi DeLigter, President and CEO of Lightworks Audio and Video, Inc. (the domain was used for its website) died a sudden death from a heart attack last November, Domain Gang reports.
Unfortunately, none of his staff knew the passwords for their boss’s accounts. His family members – his widow, two sisters, two sons and a grandson – did not know them, either. As a result, they simply failed to extend the registration and did not receive a cent from the domain’s sale. All the money went to the registrar, GoDaddy. Technically, there was nothing illegal, but it hardly seems fair.
This case raises the question of the regulations for executing a will in this area and the possible inheritance of domain names. These questions are not regulated at this point, but it may be time to do so. Right now, the memento mori reminder should motivate domain investors to consult lawyers and registrar representatives.
This case is reminiscent of another case three years ago when the domain name Carrot.com was on the verge of being auctioned off. Its registrant also died a sudden death and his family had no chance to extend the registration. However, two influential domain investors looked into the case. Using their connections in the industry, they managed to help the heirs extend the registration and reregister the domain in their names. Later, they sold the domain Carrot.com for $600,000. Unfortunately, the DeLigter heirs were unlucky.
