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Old 09-03-2006, 06:27 AM   #8 (permalink)
Head Boy
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: England
Posts: 45,097
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OK - here's a summary of what I believe to be the situation re:trademark domains, and I'll include any names containing an established business or site with them. You've got 3 options really -

Leave them alone, and this is the best option for most webmasters. If you want to get involved, you need to understand the law, and be articulate and persuasive. You also need to be prepared to lose and/or spend money.

Work with the trademark owner. This is the best option if you're determined to use tm names. You'll make the most money by promoting him, and you could get a lot of help. I make money from Netpond and Cash Uncovered domains. Meat knows this, and on a couple of occassions he's asked me to change pages - if you get a request like this, then do what your asked. Even if you win an expensive legal battle, it'll be a pyrrhic victory because you'll probably lose your income. I reg'd a name for an experiment, and I pm'd Aga. He said don't do it, so now see what you get when you enter www-netpond.com

Grab as much as you can, and run when things get hot. I think this is extremely unwise. Some big corps will pursue you relentlessly just to make an example. You may also get a bad reputation on webmaster boards.
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