Honest opinion about squatting

[coldgarb]

Read a thread here a while back about a guy finding a celebrity name and wondering if it is illegal to register that name.Cant seem to find that thread.
I realize its against the law to get a domain like that. But shouldn't it be like first come first serve.
The guy who sold Pizza.com had nothing to do with pizzas however if we take a celebrity name then why do we get punished?There could be hundreds of persons with that name so why is the law loaded against domainers?

 

[bmugford]

I think much of this depends on intent. If you are using the domain for a fan or info site it is normally fine. If you are using the site with bad intent, like forwarding to a porn site that is different.

 

[DDC_Cyn]

As bmugford said, the law does go very much on intent. People who use their ownership to blackmail celebs into buying it from them at an incredible price just to keep it from becoming a porn site. As usual, its the case of a few making it worse for the majority.

 

[Red Rock]

I would like to add a question to this discussion.
Is it legally ok, to add the words "fan club" to that famous stars name.
I have a "friend" who has a few like that.
or what about "official fan club" after the stars name?
I appreciate any info at all.
Thx,
for Red Rocks friend!

 

[bmugford]

Also, I would never contact the celebrity in question and offer the domain for sale. That could show bad intent.

 

[nicedomains]

Also, I would never contact the celebrity in question and offer the domain for sale. That could show bad intent.

Good advice.

I am wondering what you guys think about having adsense on domains/sites like these? I don't do it but curious as to any opinions you may have.

 

[bmugford]

That can become a sticky situation. Generally as long as the intent is clearly not to profit from a celebrities name you are alright. It really depends on the celebrity though also. I own a couple of these type domains but before I buy any I do the research about the particular celebrity and domain issues.

Good advice.

I am wondering what you guys think about having adsense on domains/sites like these? I don't do it but curious as to any opinions you may have.

 

[-REECE-]

Something like Celeb_Name_FanClub.com should stand up well to a UDRP provided:

1) You're not portraying yourself as being affiliated with Celeb_Name, his agents, etc, etc

2) You're not profiting from the site (eg. running banner ads, ppc, membership fees, etc in an effort to profit from the celeb's status)

bmugford explained the general case very well. If you use it for a legitimate use, ie, if you legitimately are a fan and want to make a forum with similar like-minded individuals, then you'll likely be fine. If you're (not actually referring to you here, just generalizing) a con artist and can convince a panelist that you're a fan and... (re: above), then that'll end up having the same outcome...

It's all based on motives, as bmugford explained earlier. If you wanted to truly be safe, I'd stay away from either, as I've seen panelists rule both ways. I don't know enough about UDRP's and domain law to conclude whether the different observed UDRP outcomes were the result of differences of opinion among panelists or largely due to the way the respondants defended their use of the domain in question. Regardless, it'd be best to just make a forum without specifically using the celeb's name.

I would like to add a question to this discussion.
Is it legally ok, to add the words "fan club" to that famous stars name.
I have a "friend" who has a few like that.
or what about "official fan club" after the stars name?
I appreciate any info at all.
Thx,
for Red Rocks friend!

 

[Red Rock]

Thank You,

Pretty sensitive subject.
Almost seems too risky.

I will let my friend know.
I'm glad "I" wouldn't ever think of doing some thing like this!
LOL

 

[coldgarb]

That can become a sticky situation. Generally as long as the intent is clearly not to profit from a celebrities name you are alright. It really depends on the celebrity though also. I own a couple of these type domains but before I buy any I do the research about the particular celebrity and domain issues.

Bmugford , just wanted to know how you use these sites?
have you had any success selling them ?