Domain Name Seizures and the Limits of Civil Forfeiture

“I was quoted this morning in Sara Jerome’s story for The Hill
on the weekend seizures of domain names the government believes are
selling black market, counterfeit, or copyright infringing
goods.

“The seizures take place in the context of an on-going
investigation where prosecutors make purchases from the sites and
then determine that the goods violate trademarks or copyrights or
both.

“Several reports, including from CNET, The Washington Post and
Techdirt, wonder how it is the government can seize a domain name
without a trial and, indeed, without even giving notice to the
registered owners.”

Complete Story