domain name

[Codefixer]

If it's gone past the amicable stage what steps can someone take to reclaim their domain name from the web developer that registered the domain in his name?

It's a 4yr old site, .co.uk, hosted with fasthosts - the web developer has taken the site down and the client obviously isn't amused.

Has anyone any experience of the dispute resolution service http://www.nominet.org.uk/disputes/drs/ or any other advice?

[The Dispute Resolver]

You can use Nominet who have the power to order a transfer. The only problem is that, while you may be able to establish you are the owner of the IP in the name, and thus ordinarily should be entitled to the domain, if the web developer claims legal contractual rights, ie that his terms of business dictated that the client agreed to him retaining registration, then Nominet will defer to the courts. Why did the developer take down the site?

[Codefixer]

I believe all costs were paid, according to the client it was an unrelated business matter.

Is the Nominet route, an expensive and time consuming one?

[Jeewhizz]

If the web developer registerd it in his name, and you have proof (i.e. an invoice) that you paid for this at the time of registration etc, then Nominet will transfer it over. Call them tomorrow morning, and talk to them - they are very friendly :)