CompanySucks.com domains

[BorderPatrol]

Hello,

I recently acquired a CompanyNameSucks.com type of name from a drop. The company in question is a fairly large retailer.

I was wondering what the current climate is for these types of domains. I did some research before purchasing this name and found out these types of domains are considered Free Speech provided that they:

• Are not meant to confuse the visitor to the main site
• Are not meant to generate revenue
• Express and personal opinion

This is my goal for the site. I wish to let customers sound off on their grievances and help them figure out the best way to resolve their problems with said company.

Would I still be protected under Free Speech right, or has the climate gotten more hostile to these types of domains? Would I be in the clear provided that I use the name in good faith (relatively speaking)?

Thanks for your replies.

 

[RJ]

If used exactly in the manner you described, it should be fine. I run several -sucks sites myself and don't feel the climate heating up any more for legitimate consumer gripe sites.

Hopefully one of our legal friends will see this thread and comment.

 

[BorderPatrol]

If used exactly in the manner you described, it should be fine. I run several -sucks sites myself and don't feel the climate heating up any more for legitimate consumer gripe sites.

Hopefully one of our legal friends will see this thread and comment.

Thanks for your input.

I am actually a fan of the company in general and shop there often, but I do have some little annoyances with certain policies and practices.

 

[Idees]

I was a fan of Tiger Direct, until they tried to sue me for thousands of dollars for owning TigerDirectSucks_com

It's not worth the time, money or hassle.

Just don't register those domains!

 

[weblord]

rather than "voicing out" the negatives of a company why not promote your own "positively" as there's no perfect company sooner or later some (if not all) few customers of yours will have some negative feedbacks and when they start such a web site against your company wouldn't you feel about it?

just my 2 sense.

 

[Domagon]

Was TigerDirectSucks_com ever developed? Checking Archive.org yielded nothing other than GoDaddy placeholder pages.

On a related note, it appears the domain has changed hands a few times ... and TigerDirectSucks_com appears to have a "sucks" website on it right now!

Protest domains when properly utilized are relatively safe from UDRPs / lawsuits.

Ron

 

[Idees]

It is currently developed by the current owner, I sold it after I received the lawsuit, since I had the right to do so.

 

[Domagon]

Did you fully inform the current owner of the lawsuit?...

If not, there's a slight, but real chance, the current owner, if UDRPed and/or sued by TigerDirect, could take legal action against you.

Ron

 

[tristanperry]

Yes, you are 100% protected against that. I know this because of the following amazing piece on PayPalSucks.com:

http://www.paypalsucks.com/domain-name-disputes.shtml

What you said on your OP sounds fine, as long as you stick to that's you'll be fine If you ever do get a C&D, the e-mails provided on the above link should be an invaluable resource for you.

 

[Dave_Z]

Yes, you are 100% protected against that.

Not in terms of being sued, though there are indeed some decisions protecting
such kinds of sites under limited and specific circumstances.

 

[Idees]

Of course I did, that's why it went for under $x.

Did you fully inform the current owner of the lawsuit?...

 

[Timewarp]

Meh, if you can't generate revenue why bother running your own site. There are plenty of other public places to gripe and be heard with less effort.

 

[sf2010]

It's not 1and1Sucks dotcom, is it?

I think you are doing a valuable service by warning companies with crappy products and services.

Yes, you don't get the revenue upfront, but getting your reputation built up is just as good, if not better.

 

[DNQuest.com]

Of course I did, that's why it went for under $x.

You can still be held liable if the company decided to come after you, especially since you sold the domain to someone else (regardless of amount). So if they really wanted to be holes about it, they could come after you under the ACPA and request maximum penalties.

 

[Idees]

Your right, but this was quite long ago, and they haven't contacted me since.

You can still be held liable if the company decided to come after you, especially since you sold the domain to someone else (regardless of amount). So if they really wanted to be holes about it, they could come after you under the ACPA and request maximum penalties.

 

[IAmAllanShore]

Just from a UDRP perspective:
http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/overview/index.html#13
http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/overview/index.html#24
-Allan :gl:

 

[Asmro]

Lol, I feel bad for the new owner of TigerDirectSucks, just incase he gets sued. But I don't see any legal problem there anyways...

 

[friend2]

You are so cautious it seems.
Thanks for that.

 

[creme]

You are 100% FINE.

Dan Parisi is the owner of every single (Fortune500Company)SUCKS.com

He was sued by Michael Bloomberg over MichaelBloombergSucks.com and Parisi won. That is considered the landmark decision that allows you or me to own a "sucks" name.

He also owns John McCainSucks.com...I'm curious to see what he does with that one!

 

[BitcoinDK]

What would happen if, lets say a competitor of the company you have made a suck site to, starts using your site and spread lies?

If they act like they are a normal customer, but lying about it?

How do one stay as an owner of such companysuck site?

Best regards,