Stolen Domain!

[janrputnam]

I came up with a domain name and the webmaster who helped me setup the website has stolen my domain name and is currently using it for his own profit. I worked hard on promoting the website and he had the password to change the website as he was the webmaster. My problem is this....
I paid for the domain name and registration. I have no control over this website as he was the webmaster. He has taken all of my hard work to promote the site and is now using it for his own business.

What is my recourse if any?

Are there legal issues here that I need to address?


Please advise.

Stumped...

[bathurst_guy]

Did you sign a contract with the web developer at the beginning?

[JayM]

Speak with a lawyer as they will be able to give you the best advice.

[janrputnam]

Signed no contract... just paid him for the domain and website... $1500

[NogDog]

Find whatever records you have (cancelled checks, credit card records, emails, anything else you can think of). Locate a lawyer you feel comfortable with, maybe one who will give you a free initial consultation to discuss various options open to you. It's possible that something as simple as a letter from your lawyer threatening to initiate legal action will be sufficient to resolve things. Then again, the lawyer may determine that you have no legal ground to stand on - but none of us can really answer that in place of a lawyer. (At least I can't: I do not have the necessary legal training nor certification to do so.)

[AltF4]

What domain could be worth 1500 dollars?
I would recommend a lawyer also!

[pcthug]

What domain could be worth 1500 dollars?
domain and website.

But as for the domain, I too would recommend a lawyer; although not being able to present any receipts, credit card records, etc. would decrease your credibility majorly.

If the domain is legally his & you have not signed any formal contracts providing you with ownership rights, you will most likely have a very hard time in receiving recognition for the domain.

[janrputnam]

The 1500 was for the domain and the website, which turned out to be just a mirror of his website without a shopping cart... He let my website go unattended for 2 years and the products were never updated. So, it was totally useless. Go to
http://www.access-logix.com and his website pops up now.

I paid to get the website more hits and all it was doing was giving him more business.

[Phalon]

Atlest the rest of us can learn from this:


make up a contract, and make sure you have ownership
Pay with something that makes a paper trail like checks
And research into the webmaster, if possible, to see how credible he is