Domain Name Wire Podcast What could go wrong? – DNW Podcast #581
Apr 6, 2026
John Berryhill, a trademark attorney and seasoned UDRP practitioner who handles domain transactions and disputes. He shares stories about escrow limits, why sales agreements matter, pitfalls of long payment plans, surprise UDRPs during escrow, registrar locks, and bankruptcy/clawback risks. Practical cautionary tales and contract-focused advice throughout.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
beds.com Broker Used A Fake Seller Name
- John recounts beds.com where the broker's contract listed a fictitious seller name and the buyer paid six figures into a contested transaction.
- The buyer later won a UDRP, sued, settled, and obtained clean title after the broker's misrepresentations surfaced.
Handle Anonymous Buyers With Broker Commitments
- If anonymity is required, have the escrow agent hold a signed commitment from the anonymous party and have the broker assume obligations if necessary.
- Berryhill suggests the broker can be contractually on the hook so the counterparty knows an identified party will perform.
Check Payment Plan Notice Mechanics
- Read payment-plan (domain holding) terms carefully, especially notice and default procedures.
- Berryhill explains escrow.com requires seller notice (often by mail) to start a 10-day cure period, meaning missed monthly payments can force repetitive mailed notices.