Having a .com but not having .net

14 replies
Hi all,

I have a dilemma: I have a great .com website since nearly 11 years. Unfortunately I'm not the owner of the .net version which is currently parked. On the other hand I have many TLDs of the domain name, like .co.uk, .org etc.

Is it risky to build a brand on this .com domain? Assuming the worst: the .net owner builds a similar business or sells the .net domain to someone who is in the same business: can it greatly harm my brand or due to the relevancy of .com domains, the risk is minimal?

Thanks for any advice.
#net
  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Originally Posted by Daniel Szendi View Post

    Hi all,

    I have a dilemma: I have a great .com website since nearly 11 years. Unfortunately I'm not the owner of the .net version which is currently parked. On the other hand I have many TLDs of the domain name, like .co.uk, .org etc.

    Is it risky to build a brand on this .com domain? Assuming the worst: the .net owner builds a similar business or sells the .net domain to someone who is in the same business: can it greatly harm my brand or due to the relevancy of .com domains, the risk is minimal?

    Thanks for any advice.
    With the .com version you have the upper hand, don't let not having the .net bother you at all.


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    • Profile picture of the author dsimms
      nope, not always. He could setup his dot.com and if someone should setup the dot.net then the dot.net could have the better marketing strategy, people dont just say, im going to dot.com, they tend to follow ad promotions, and with ad promotions are links to the site...

      having the most popular dot.com does not guarantee anything
      just because you have it, however, I do agree it is in his favor
      to a certain extent, but if dot.com blows smoke, and the dot.net
      is busting his ass for success, then the dot.net is likely to win...
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    If you've been sitting on a "great" .com domain for 11 years, I don't think your main concern is about not owning the .net - it's about doing something with your domain. No reason to wait a minute longer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Don't worry about this in the least - you have the preferred top level domain (TLD). Being the first business online and selling will give you a headstart on any other businesses with the same name. Owning all the various extensions of a domain name is not important.

    As Frank (above) says, what is important is that you get to work and develop your site and be the first in your space using your domain name.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Szendi
      My site is online and working since 11 years, I just had no time to really focus on it, due to having other projects.
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      • Profile picture of the author funnelsoptimizer
        Then try to upgrade your website. Check some SEO, see where are the places for improvements and how you can get the best from what you have at this point.
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnVianny
    Legal register the name of your site, so it will be copyrighted
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  • Profile picture of the author DIABL0
    You could trademark the domain.

    However, I would look and see how old the registration for the .net is.

    I'm no trademark expert, but just being the first to do it doesn't mean you would win. I believe it is will come down to who has owned it the longest.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Szendi
      It was my studpitiy, I owned the .net for many years, but I ran into a registrar, who forgot to inform me about the expiry of my domains and I lost the .net The other guy registered it April 2017. I registered the .com in summer 2007. I'll have to build audience and I guess I'll be fine...
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  • Profile picture of the author dsimms
    you can not trademark domains...
    You can trade mark a name as long as it has not be registered,
    or that no one else has claimed un-registered trademark, and they
    can do that by putting the (TM) symbol in their promotions, and if they were first to use the mark.

    and just because you are first to claim the trademark does not
    mean you will win a fight unless you have money to fight with....
    trademark litigation can run into the 1000s, and you will have
    a better chance if you have more money the the other guy, and
    can prove your case. If you do not have a nickel to your name,
    and the other guy wants it, then how are you going to defend
    your trademark if you have no money?

    If there is even a slight hint that someone has been actively
    using the name prior to you, then just let it go....
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  • Profile picture of the author Wingsofsuccess1
    Think about it yourself...

    How often do you search for the .net version of a domain? Probably not often.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    There are just way too many things out of our control that will just keep wasting and taking our valuable time.

    If your site is up and running already for 11 years just keep building on what you have created.

    Worry less about competition and focus more on value, content and promotion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Brindamour
    Daniel,

    I would just stick with the .com. It is seasoned and .com is the most popular URL anyhow.

    Chris
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  • Profile picture of the author Ivan2b
    In my personal opinion, but as well by opinion of the other people .com is simply the best. Lets be clear, everything have its own advantages and disadvantages but .com is very universal and can bring you a lot of profit if you play smart and hit the correct words.
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