Brand domain available to purchase - risky ?

P

prouted

Newbie

Aug 10, 2009

16

2

• Jun 26, 2012

• #1

Hi,

I've noticed that a growing brand did not buy all domain extentions for its main domain nane (for instance, .co.uk, .fr, etc). I am considering buying some extensions to make money through affiliation programs using this brand's products to redirect traffic.

- Do you think it's risky to do this ?
- Does anyone have experience doing such thing ?
- Do you think it's important to mention this is not the official site on the footer and in the disclaimer ?

Many thanks in advance

 

Zak_A

Senior Member

Mar 16, 2008

809

885

• Jun 26, 2012

• #2

- Do you think it's risky to do this ?
In the best case they won't care until you'll get a C&D letter one day or another and they'll ask you to give them the domain.
In the worst case they'll sue you for trademark infringement, and this is likely to happen if you make money from the site.

- Do you think it's important to mention this is not the official site on the footer and in the disclaimer ?
If you decide to buy and use this domain, not mentioning this would be suicidal.
If you don't they will not only sue you for trademark infringement, but also for unfair competition and some other fancy legal stuff that will make you wish you weren't born.

 

Last edited: Jun 26, 2012

P

prouted

Newbie

Aug 10, 2009

16

2

• Jun 26, 2012
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #3

Thank you very much for your reply. This is exactly what I was worried about.

What about buying the domain and contact them to try to sell it back making a few bucks on it ?

 

Zak_A

Senior Member

Mar 16, 2008

809

885

• Jun 26, 2012

• #4

You'll either make a few bucks or a C&D letter if they don't want to pay.
Not worth the hassle IMO.

 

P

prouted

Newbie

Aug 10, 2009

16

2

• Jun 26, 2012
• Thread Starter Thread Starter

• #5

I see your point thank you

 

V

Victoria Seo

Junior Member

Feb 1, 2011

173

54

• Jun 27, 2012

• #6

Hmm and what is the big problem - just register the domain not in the USA and not under your name -and you will be safe - in the worst case they take it down - but it'll take long and you won't have to worry about any legal problems just because the domain is no in your name

 

Mountaineer

Senior Member

Oct 14, 2011

912

149

• Jun 28, 2012

• #7

Victoria Seo said:

Hmm and what is the big problem - just register the domain not in the USA and not under your name -and you will be safe - in the worst case they take it down - but it'll take long and you won't have to worry about any legal problems just because the domain is no in your name

Click to expand...

Thats true to some extent because instead of spending a fortune on legal issues, sometimes a company would buy the domain to avoid any legal hassle. I've done that in past and there's another success story by a fellow BHWer regarding the same. However, its only recommended if you are willing to assume the risk of legal problems.

 

M

maddy

Junior Member

Jul 18, 2010

104

3

• Jul 2, 2012

• #8

It is bad bad bad idea. Companies will drag you to court for such issues. Steer clear of it.