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Will I get in trouble?

by creative
12 replies
Hi warriors!
As I was looking for a domain for my new website, I found an excellent domain name (it's available) which is almost identical to the name of an insurance company. The only difference is that my name has a double "b", instead of a single one.
My website has nothing to do with insurance, but because the name is so similar.... do you think I could get in trouble?
Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
#trouble
  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Schuman
    No I do not think you will get in trouble.
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  • Profile picture of the author drem
    Originally Posted by creative View Post

    Hi warriors!
    As I was looking for a domain for my new website, I found an excellent domain name (it's available) which is almost identical to the name of an insurance company. The only difference is that my name has a double "b", instead of a single one.
    My website has nothing to do with insurance, but because the name is so similar.... do you think I could get in trouble?
    Let me know your thoughts.
    Thanks!
    I do not think so. If it is a different name and has nothing to do with insurance, it will be fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jerry Higgins
    creative,

    Since both domain names are in unrelated industries, it doesn't seem like you could get into any hot water over this. I say go for it.
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    If the other site is a TRADEMARKED name, they might be able to petition ICANN to yank the name from you. This might be the reason why the domain is still available-it is radioactive to domainers. Proceed at your own risk. It might cost you less than $12 to get in but might cost you more to get out of the situation.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
      Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

      If the other site is a TRADEMARKED name, they might be able to petition ICANN to yank the name from you. This might be the reason why the domain is still available-it is radioactive to domainers. Proceed at your own risk. It might cost you less than $12 to get in but might cost you more to get out of the situation.
      There are way too many available domain names to need to take the chance. What if you built a great business on that domain and 5 years in to it you got a C&D. Truth is with most domains like that, most people are not going to remember it has 2 b's when they type it in because they are saying the domain name in their heads while they are typing.

      And online, hardly anyone reads the domain before they click.
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  • Profile picture of the author Akogo
    Even if your business is totally unrelated to the insurance business, I don't think it is a good idea because it might confuse people who associated the domain name with the insurance company regardless of the double b. Then it will be harder to standout and make it simply clear what your business is about. Then there is a remote and inadvertant possibility that an insurance link or ad could pop up if you plan to place ads like Adsense on your site and the insurance company with the similiar domain may go after you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Franklin
    If you are aware of the other insurance company, then I would bet that others would be as well!

    I have heard of similar situations where the established company has gone after the new website owner when finding out about the similar domain name. The issue is that there is some reputation/goodwill benefit that does spill over - despite the difference in spelling. Furthermore, the results in these situations have often resulted in favor of the established company.

    Bottom line....I wouldn't even chance it!
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    • Profile picture of the author creative
      Thank you all for your answers.
      I have just checked and there are several domains with this same name.
      One is www. XXXXinsurance. com, another one www. XXXXglobal. com, another one is www. XXXX. co. uk
      One is insurance, the other one is a gifts shop, the other one a telephone company.
      I am a bit confused now because if there are several companies with the same name, there shouldn't be any problems, right?
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  • Profile picture of the author seolindsay
    If your name has nothing to do with insurance, I think you are fine.
    Also though, in terms of the name of your website, is it actually your legal name? If so then you are definitely fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I wouldn't even risk it. If you have to ask the question, don't do it. Just pick a different domain name and market the heck out of it.
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    I wouldn't get that domain name, there are plenty of other options available.
    It's not worth risking a law suit or something or being forced to get the website down once you've put a lot of effort in it.
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    • Profile picture of the author creative
      Thanks everyone for your answers!!!
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