Sex.com Battle Detailed in New Book

LONDON — The battle over the ownership of the domain name Sex.com is detailed in a new book scheduled for U.K. release on Monday.

The book, titled "Sex.com," was written by Kieren McCarthy, a freelance journalist who specializes in Internet politics, governance and domain names.

The book traces the story from the registration of the Sex.com domain in 1994 by Gary Kremen and the theft of the domain in 1996 by Stephen Cohen. It details Kremen's struggle to regain control of the domain, including suits against Network Solutions Inc. and Cohen, a judgment against Cohen that awarded the domain and $65 million to Kremen, Kremen's sale of the Sex.com domain for $14 million and Kremen's efforts — still ongoing — to claim the $65 million from Cohen.

"I still count myself as strangely fortunate to have been in the position to write this book," McCarthy told XBIZ. "At first it was just going to be a long feature but the more I got into it, the most extraordinary the story became. I’m amazed no one beat me to it, to be honest." "That said, it was a hell of a lot of work. The court documents alone caused me to have to install two new shelves in my house. And it’s taken a year longer than I thought it would. But it’s been a blast. Even when tired and fed up ... there was also the fact the story was just so interesting and the characters [were so] fascinating that kept me going. I just hope I’ve done the story justice."

A book release party is scheduled in London on May 29.

At present there are no plans to publish the book in the U.S.

For more information, visit SexDotCom.info.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Game Fest Announces Nominees for Inaugural Awards Show

Organizers for the inaugural Adult Game Fest convention and trade show have announced the nominees for the event's awards ceremony, taking place Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

Byborg Enterprises Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Byborg Enterprises has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

XBIZ 2027 Hotel Room Booking Now Open

Hotel booking is now open for XBIZ 2027, giving attendees the opportunity to secure their stay at the host venue, JW Marriott L.A. Live.

FSC Case Against Tennessee AV Law Can Go Forward, Court Rules

A U.S. district court on Tuesday denied the Tennessee attorney general’s motion to dismiss a Free Speech Coalition lawsuit challenging the Protect Tennessee Minors Act.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

2027 XMA 'Fan Favorite' Pre-Nominations Period Now Open

XMA event organizers have announced that the pre-nomination period for Fan Favorite categories for the January 2027 ceremony is now open.

California Legislature Passes Stricter UGC Rules for Adult Sites

A bill to impose tighter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites has been approved by the California state legislature and now awaits the governor’s signature.

CollabGPS Rolls Out 'Verification Badge' Update

CollabGPS has launched a badge system for user verification.

X3 Amsterdam Imports Hollywood Glitz With Continental Style

A throng of fans from across Europe and around the globe descended on the Passenger Terminal building on Friday, eager to meet their favorite adult stars at the inaugural X3 Amsterdam fan expo.

California, Florida Reps File Latest Bill to Repeal Section 230

Two members of Congress on Thursday introduced new legislation to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Show More