11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Domain name question

by jokabi
9 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hey everyone,
I have a new client that I will be making a website and a mobile site for.
He also has 2 websites that he paid someone to put up a while ago that he wants monetized and a bunch of domain names he'd like more sites made with.

Here's my question: The domain names have words like ipad, android, xoom and galaxy in them. Like androidholder.com and customipadcase.com. Will those type of domain names be allowed or will it be a waste of time creating those sites?

Thanks for your advice.

Kathy :confused:
#domain #question
  • Profile picture of the author IDN101
    Domains with a TM'd word in them are liking ticking time bombs, IMHO.

    Regards,
    Ian
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5406970].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jokabi
      Hi Ian,
      Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Too bad because some of those keywords are getting lots of searches!
      Thanks for your input.
      Kathy


      Originally Posted by IDN101 View Post

      Domains with a TM'd word in them are liking ticking time bombs, IMHO.

      Regards,
      Ian
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5406994].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Trevor
        Hi Kathy,

        most brands don't mind if you include their company names in your domain names. However, there are sometimes instances of the right opposite to this rule, so your best bet is to contact the retailer and kindly ask them if you can include their brand name in your domain, so that you won't get into a legal problem of any kind.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5407204].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author jokabi
          Good idea, Trevor...
          Thanks for the advice. I have a meeting with my client in about 45 minutes.
          I'll discuss it with him.
          Have a great evening!
          Kathy

          Originally Posted by Trevor View Post

          Hi Kathy,

          most brands don't mind if you include their company names in your domain names. However, there are sometimes instances of the right opposite to this rule, so your best bet is to contact the retailer and kindly ask them if you can include their brand name in your domain, so that you won't get into a legal problem of any kind.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5407366].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eurekapsycrille
    I think for a brand and product-based websites, you could also make a "catchy" domain name. I am not talking anything about technical issues. Just a name that will not be forgotten easily by the users.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5407387].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author paulgl
      "Allowed" is not a good term. Those domains are legal to
      own, until someone sues and wins. I don't believe
      apple got the owner of ipad.com to sell.

      And if you owned oh, say ipad.cn, apple could do
      nothing. Or the ubiquitous ipad. t k

      Apple does not like people using their trademarks in
      domains. But they are not an agency in the United
      States with legal power. People sometimes forget
      this. Apple thinks they are above the law sometimes.

      Those domains are most assuredly not banned on google.
      Google is not the internet police either. They do ban
      extensions if they are a problem. .t k was a problem
      and was banned, I think.

      I don't think google would give a hoot about anyone using
      android. Google is a company that is very open and
      wants the internet open, complete with free and
      open platforms. Open source is their motto. Obviously,
      they do own android and would balk at anyone starting
      a company with a phone product called android. But using
      android in a domain to promote something that goes with
      their product is something they would not care about. Unless
      it gave their product a bad name, of course.

      Apple is a different animal and likes to protect what's
      theirs. But even they can't do shinola with places like
      China.

      Would they after a domain held by your client? Maybe.

      But just go over to ebay and search for ipad domain
      Tons of them for sale. Some are asking for millions.

      Paul
      Signature

      If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5407503].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Domainate
        Originally Posted by paulgl View Post

        "Allowed" is not a good term. Those domains are legal to own, until someone sues and wins. I don't believe apple got the owner of ipad.com to sell.
        While it may not be "illegal" in terms of criminal law, if you have a trademark-infringing domain that was registered in bad faith and you're acting in bad faith with it, you can be sued for up to $100,000 per infringing domain. Facebook is currently suing 25 entities in this way right now (note that the article indicates they've won some of these lawsuits in the past. I know Apple has at least won domains in the past via UDRP and would not be surprised if they've filed and successfully won trademark lawsuits of this nature as well.

        So yea - you can own it and use it, until it gets taken away via UDRP and/or you get sued for $100,000. Is it really worth that trouble?
        Signature
        ===> COMING SOON: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Domain. ***PM for details***
        Want to make a living with domains? Domain Boot Camp Online coming soon!
        Join the Doma.in Newsletter for special domain sales and free domain training!
        >> Have a list? Deliver more through our Listcast service or clean it to please your autoresponder with ELC.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5408590].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author outwest
    Mostly companies just send emails (free) with letters from their "attorney"

    Most wont file a real lawsuit and pay real lawyers real money
    too many people 99 percent just cave and give them the domains
    Signature
    Tech article writing .Native English Speaker(with Proof)
    specializing in SmartPhones , Internet security, high tech gadgets, search engines, tech shows, digital cameras.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5407596].message }}

Trending Topics