[pkfrank]

I think that you have two decent options:

1) Have a friend send an e-mail asking if it's for sale. If they respond with a reasonable price, buy it.

2) Assuming the owner/squatter is remotely intelligent, they'll do their diligence and realize that the .NET is being actively used. In that case, you'll have to decide how bad you want it and/or if you would ever consider re-branding. You could try the: "This is the best offer you're ever going to get, so take it or leave it." But the owner could always call your bluff, and just hold onto the name knowing that it's getting ever more valuable to you as you grow.

I'd try option 1, wait a few months (depending on what they say), and then try some blend of option 2.