To Launch Domain Name Auction Service? — Network Solutions

Trademark creates suspicions regarding Network Solutions’ plans.

Network Solutions has applied for a trademark on “NameJet”. As stated by the application, filed on September 24, NameJet’s trademark class includes:

“On-line auction services; on-line auction services featuring domain names; on-line auction services for businesses, consumers, domain name holders; domain name registration and sales services; on-line bidding services featuring domain names; domain name backorder request services; on-line proxy bidding services”

Although it is not entirely clear what this represents, it’s possible that Network Solutions is creating an aftermarket domain auction, an expired domain auction, or both. If it’s the later, this will send shockwaves through the domain industry. Network Solutions right now auctions its expired domains through SnapNames, which was recently purchased by Oversee.net. I don’t know how long Network Solutions’ contract with SnapNames lasts, but Network Solutions may be betting that it can get enough bidders to NameJet to keep expired domain prices high without splitting its revenue with SnapNames.

Since legacy Network Solutions is the oldest registrar, it manages many of the best generic domain names.

But does Network Solutions own the NameJet.com domain name?

NameJet.com was originally registered in 2003. Until September 10, the domain was owned by A L Sisk of Lexington, TX, as stated by a DomainTools search. On September 15, the domain whois switched to a privacy protection service offered by eNom. It seems strange that Network Solutions would use a rival registrar to maintain the domain name, but perhaps it’s an elaborate attempt to hide its tracks? This would mean Network Solutions “endorses” eNom, which would be an interesting move.

NameJet.net and NameJet.org were registered on September 8, also at eNom. NameJet.us is not registered. .Us domain names cannot have whois privacy.

(Original information via Trademork)