discuss Have you ever faced a situation where your domain or brand name was at risk? How did you handle it?

[nicenic]

Lamborghini just won in an appeals court, a stark reminder that even big brands fight hard to protect their names online.

But if major companies still struggle, what about smaller businesses? For small and medium businesses, what’s the best strategy to protect your domain without huge legal budgets?

 

[Eric Lyon]

Roughly 15 to 20 years ago (Give or take a few months) I was notified by LEGO's legal team that LEGO+Word*Com was a big No No and that I couldn't use it as a fan or collectors asset. Rather than get argumentative over a $8 hand-reg, I transferred it to them quickly, to be done with it.

 

[nicenic]

Roughly 15 to 20 years ago (Give or take a few months) I was notified by LEGO's legal team that LEGO+Word*Com was a big No No and that I couldn't use it as a fan or collectors asset. Rather than get argumentative over a $8 hand-reg, I transferred it to them quickly, to be done with it.

Hi, Eric!

So, how are you feeling about that decision now? Any regrets, or pretty chill about it?

 

[Eric Lyon]

Hi, Eric!

So, how are you feeling about that decision now? Any regrets, or pretty chill about it?

Why would I have regrets? I was happy to give it to them or even drop it. It had their unique brand name in it.

 

[katerleonid]

I remember that one of my first domains was yahoo-word.com, but Yahoo never contacted me.

 

[nicenic]

Why would I have regrets? I was happy to give it to them or even drop it. It had their unique brand name in it.

Maybe the kids will start seeing Dad in a whole new light just because he owns a Lego-related domain.

I remember that one of my first domains was yahoo-word.com, but Yahoo never contacted me.

That’s interesting, katerleonid. But do you monitor similar domains now to avoid potential trademark issues?