Yup - this absolutely is horrible when it happens, which is why I suggest next time OP creates a domain, they set up a calendar reminder or email reminder, or p

Yup - this absolutely is horrible when it happens, which is why I suggest next time OP creates a domain, they set up a calendar reminder or email reminder, or possibly set up auto-billing so that this doesn't happen again. Over the years I've seen it happen. People think if they buy a domain, they technically own it - sometimes certain registrars will hold onto the domain temporarily and try to contact you for a time, before putting it up for sale - though there's no obligation for them to do that as far as I understand. It would be worth trying to reach out to the registrar, but since someone else has bought the domain already, good luck trying to get them to hand it back to you unless there's some sort of legal standing (trademarks, its your business name, etc. and even then the chances are slim)