Trademarked Domain Names - Caution

[Linda Buquet]

Every now and then on the forum we have affiliates ask if it's OK to register a domain that includes someone's brand or trademarked name.

Here are a couple of TechCrunch stories about what can happen.

<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2010/02/09/microsoft-domain-names/">Microsoft Seizes 23 Domain Names In One Swoop</a>

<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2010/01/07/apple-domain-names/">Apple Seizes 16 Domain Names From A Guy In One Fell Swoop</a>

 

[djbaxter]

Yes. Just a very bad idea.

Buying them as a speculator is one thing - not a great idea, but at least all you have to lose is the price of the domain name.

But developing a site on one of these domains - then you lose all the acquired ranking and traffic along with the domain name - everything gone in one fell swoop.

 

[2dragonsltd]

What would happen if you owned the doman name before a branded company thought of the name - ie if the web domain name was actually not your brand name but just a name you use on your site.

 

[Wuoshi]

What would happen if you owned the doman name before a branded company thought of the name - ie if the web domain name was actually not your brand name but just a name you use on your site.

It's not possible to start a company or register a TM and then take over a registered domain corresponding to the company or TM. If you were there first, you're safe.

 

[Laura61]

It's unfortunate more newbies don't research the possible consequences of buying a trademarked name before they run out and grab a bunch of them, thinking they're getting a fantastic deal. The fact that a short, snappy domain name with "Sony" or "Nike" in it is still available should be a red flag.

 

[kristin48616]

Thanks for the information, I have never realized its serious consequence if buying trademarked name. Such a bad idea, I agree with you.