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Risk of using "Amazon" in a domain name?

by Frubens
15 replies
EDIT: NEW QUESTION: Is using "amzn" in a domain name a good/bad idea? Would it still be too much of a risk? Would it look bad to customers?

Hi all,
I am in the process of creating a website that would do something along the lines of selling Amazon gift cards. I am not in the Amazon affiliate program or anything like that, completely independent. I have read very old threads about this, but am curious to hear new/updated opinions.

The domain name I currently have purchased contains the term "Amazon." It is made abundantly clear on my website that this website is not affiliated or endorsed by Amazon.com.

I have heard about people with similar domain names receiving "cease and desist" emails, I just do not want to get sued. In the event that Amazon contacted me about this, I would most certainly change my domain after some discussion. I really like this domain name so that's why I am asking all this. Even if they tell me to change it after a while, I think it is worth it.

However, do you think there is any risk that they would straight up sue me? What are the risks?

Thanks
#amazon #domain #risk
  • Profile picture of the author danr62
    Don't. Do. It.

    Amazon's not about to stop handing out cease and desist letters for people profiting off of their trademark. Those threads you read might be old, but still relevant.
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  • Profile picture of the author Long Beach Nathan
    If you use any company name in a domain, you're likely to get into legal trouble with the company. Sorry, but this is a big risk.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mrs S
    I agree, it's not worth the risk. Why spend time building a brand and traffic to a domain that will get shut down?
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    • Profile picture of the author Frubens
      Thanks for the quick replies everyone. I'm not surprised about the response and I know you're all right, I just love this domain name. Going to be frustrating trying to create another clever one. :/
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        Frubens,

        . . . "I just love this domain name. Going to be frustrating trying to create another clever one."

        In my opinion, "clever" is not what you should be worried about.

        You want a memorable (among other characteristics) domain. "Clever" is just one of many, many ways to be memorable. People don't come to the Internet to locate "clever" domains. They are looking for information that will inform or entertain them.

        Falling in love with your own domain is a red flag that you've not taken the time to understand what your audience wants. Over the past 15 or so years I've registered dozens and dozens of domains that I thought were clever and I eventually either sold or let them lapse because I did nothing with them.

        Oh, and by the way, I totally agree with all the others that have said not to infringe on Amazon's trade mark. I suggest you go to the Amazon site and read what they say about this specific practice. You won't be left with any doubt as to where Amazon stands.

        Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author teresarothaar
    I agree: never, ever, ever use another company's name or trademark in your domain name. While it's unlikely you'll actually be sued (unless they know there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow), your site will be shut down, and you'll be forced to relinquish the URL.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Big risk using Amazon in the name no matter what disclaimer you put on the page. They own the trademark and have more then enough money to defend it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Meharis
    Originally Posted by Frubens View Post

    Hi all,
    I am in the process of creating a website that would do something along the lines of selling Amazon gift cards. I am not in the Amazon affiliate program or anything like that, completely independent. I have read very old threads about this, but am curious to hear new/updated opinions.

    The domain name I currently have purchased contains the term "Amazon." It is made abundantly clear on my website that this website is not affiliated or endorsed by Amazon.com.

    I have heard about people with similar domain names receiving "cease and desist" emails, I just do not want to get sued. In the event that Amazon contacted me about this, I would most certainly change my domain after some discussion. I really like this domain name so that's why I am asking all this. Even if they tell me to change it after a while, I think it is worth it.

    However, do you think there is any risk that they would straight up sue me? What are the risks?

    Thanks

    What part of "Trademark" you don't understand..?
    What's the worst than can happen? Get sued, right?
    Can you put up with it? No, right?
    Well, don't due it.

    Meharis
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  • Profile picture of the author 10kaday
    You will be shut down just depends how long it takes
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      How can I put this diplomatically?

      Are you nuts?

      Do you also use wasp nests for pinatas? Close your eyes before crossing busy streets? Run with scissors?

      To paraphrase Nike (tm): "Just don't do it!"
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  • Profile picture of the author Frubens
    Thanks for the kick in the behind, everyone . I've already started working on the change.
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  • Profile picture of the author Frubens
    Please see new question
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    • Profile picture of the author bengirwb
      Well, you can't use amazon-sucks.us because it's taken
      You can't use amazonwatch.org or amazonteam.org for same reason.

      A trademark does not give a company total control over a name or phrase, only if and how it's used in commerce.

      For example, I don't think Ford would go after cleanusedfordsforsale.com or fordmakeslemons.com or fordstinks.com

      Etc, etc

      catalogofdisneytradingcards.com would also probably be safe

      Trademarks can not shut down review sites, etc.
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      • Profile picture of the author davezan
        Originally Posted by Frubens View Post

        EDIT: NEW QUESTION: Is using "amzn" in a domain name a good/bad idea? Would it still be too much of a risk? Would it look bad to customers?

        Hi all,
        I am in the process of creating a website that would do something along the lines of selling Amazon gift cards. I am not in the Amazon affiliate program or anything like that, completely independent. I have read very old threads about this, but am curious to hear new/updated opinions.

        The domain name I currently have purchased contains the term "Amazon." It is made abundantly clear on my website that this website is not affiliated or endorsed by Amazon.com.

        I have heard about people with similar domain names receiving "cease and desist" emails, I just do not want to get sued. In the event that Amazon contacted me about this, I would most certainly change my domain after some discussion. I really like this domain name so that's why I am asking all this. Even if they tell me to change it after a while, I think it is worth it.

        However, do you think there is any risk that they would straight up sue me? What are the risks?

        Thanks
        UDRPsearch - UDRP / WIPO / NAF / ADR.eu Domain Dispute Search

        Originally Posted by bengirwb View Post

        Well, you can't use amazon-sucks.us because it's taken
        You can't use amazonwatch.org or amazonteam.org for same reason.

        A trademark does not give a company total control over a name or phrase, only if and how it's used in commerce.

        For example, I don't think Ford would go after cleanusedfordsforsale.com or fordmakeslemons.com or fordstinks.com

        Etc, etc

        catalogofdisneytradingcards.com would also probably be safe

        Trademarks can not shut down review sites, etc.
        True to a degree, depending on (at least) trademark strength, use of domain
        name, and (if any) consumer confusion.

        If the OP continues with his/her plan, though, what anyone here or elsewhere
        thinks won't matter if Amazon can pursue their claims. Whether or not Amazon
        has a claim is really up to them, especially if they know things that other folks
        here (or elsewhere) don't.

        Don't know about you, OP, but that's one potential problem I don't need.
        Signature

        David

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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      New question, same answer...
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