6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Registering domains with model numbers?

by Markus Nimocks
5 replies
Hi all,

I am getting started on a new mini-site project to promote a particular electronics device. To my astonishment, the .com for the device's model number is available. This is a very well known brand, and one of their most popular items. For example, if it were the "Sony Widget 123m" - I can register "widget123m.com".

I'm shocked that this name is available, to the point that I'm almost scared to register it. Has anyone had experience with companies coming after you for registering a domain with their trademark? For that matter, I'm surprised the company hasn't registered it themselves. On the one hand, I'm tempted to register it and promote the heck out of it. On the other hand, I'm afraid I might get kicked out of their affiliate program if they figure out what I've done.

What say you, Warriors?

Cheers, Rich
#domains #model #numbers #registering
  • Profile picture of the author Nigel Greaves
    Rich,

    I don't know if it would apply in the industry you're talking about but Peugeot trademark the model numbers of their cars ie. models with the central zero x0y.

    It might be worth checking out with the manufacturer first.

    Nigel
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[474881].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aira Bongco
    Buy it before someone else does.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[474893].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author edynas
    Banned
    I wouldn't worry about it unless you put hate/do not buy info on it. Especcially if you are talking about only the modelnummer/name and not the company name also. For instance do a search on wii fit in google
    You will find domains like
    Nintendo Wii in stock - locator £175.99
    Wii Fit in Stock | Nintendo Wii Fit in Stock
    Nintendo Wii Tracker - Find Nintendo Wii In Stock Online

    Most of the time the company will not care about it. But there is always the risk of loosing the domainname. To be a bit more sure do some searches for popular sony items and try to find sites with the model name in the domainnames. I did a fast search for some sony products and surprisingly didn't found many/none.

    Edwin
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[474908].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author getsmartt
    Remember model numbers often have a relatively short life span (think cellphones), so you might be better off getting something a bit more generic unless this is going to be a short term venture.
    Signature

    Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[474937].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Markus Nimocks
    I think I'll take the "it's better to ask forgiveness than permission" approach. I'm not going to put the brandname in it, as I've seen others post on here that Google will ignore the domain if it has a well-known company name in it. (e.g. "Sony"). So instead of SonyWidget123s.com or Sony-Widget123s.com I"ll just get Widget123s.com.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[474970].message }}

Trending Topics