domain In light of Starbuck's Employee's Union Win: Appraisal please for kelloggsunion dot com, .org and et al. (unionkelloggsdotcom, .org, .net)...

[tinabacot]

After I learned of Starbuck's employees win on the Union, I heard news ankers speaking of Kellogg's employee's fast following of suit. What do you think about the above referenced domains? Would someone purchase them? I looked up Starbuck's employee's union site and it is Starbucksunion.org. I wondered if any of these sites could be quick flips and profitable. Any input?

 

[wallet2it]

Zero to negative values

 

[tinabacot]

Zero to negative values

Hmm why do you say that?

 

[wallet2it]

Even if someone gives it to me for free I won’t take it. Someone needs to pay me to take those domains….

 

[tinabacot]

Even if someone gives it to me for free I won’t take it. Someone needs to pay me to take those domains….

I understand. I know what you mean. I just wondered if those type of sites got targeted because of news. I am trying to learn about domains. It was an interesting question. It doesn't matter anyway I searched just for curiosity, and someone has already purchased every combo I can think of. So, that's why I asked really.

I guess what I am really trying to find out is if people to buy domains out of predictive behavior and if they profit from doing so. That's a better question.


I can see folks (especially domain investors) watching current events, business trends, inventions, and the like trying to predict what domains will be valuable.

I remember back around 20 years ago or more possibly, when online retail was a very scary idea for a lot of retailers. I remember reading about domain investors that would search for hours for company names like burgerking. com, etc. and buy them up. I think buying top level domains when you know for sure that business exists (especially a major one) is corrupt. However-many very rich people are glad they did it! It's an ethical issue for sure.

Thanks for engaging my question!

 

[wallet2it]

Well, I will never want a domain with established existing entire business name in it

 

[johnn]

About $5,000
Lawyer fees

 

[tinabacot]

About $5,000
Lawyer fees

I can imagine that being true. Then, I wonder back to the origin of this question: starbucksunion.org. Do you think the organizers of this union for Starbucks that registered and utilized the domain were breaking any law in doing so and can be held liable by Starbucks for using their brand name in light of Freedom of Speech?

I am not sure that would be illegal, unless they were using Starbucks' tradename to profit in some way. Then, naturally, there would exist grounds for liable claims. While I am in no way any type of corporate branding expert or trademark attorney, I wonder if that is truly a cause for litigation or attorney fees.

Think of it this way-Does Kellogg's Inc, not have the same wherewithal, financial ability (certainly), intelligence planning, etc. to purchase up these types of domains to prevent such happenings? I realize it is a ludicrous proposition for them to go purchasing every combination on the web with their brand name. However, I would think they would be intelligent and proactive enough to buy any combination of tld names with Kellogg, Kelloggs, Union, & Unions.

That would only cost them under $100 and be a reasonable business expense. If they choose NOT to do this, then who are they to complain if a reasonable person wants them because maybe their last name is Kellogg?

I do not see the liable portion of this that would truly stand up in court. However, I do see that it could be as well. Again, I think moreover it is an ethical question surrounded by intent. If intent is absent, then I don't think someone can be liable. Would you agree?

 

[jhm]

Drop the domains / get a refund, IMO

 

[silentg]

Kelloggs doesn't lose UDRP cases
https://www.udrpsearch.com/search?query=kelloggs&search=domain

Delete the domains. Stay away from trademarks.

 

[tinabacot]

Wow, that is interesting! I had no idea. Thanks for sharing that. Very informative. I did not realize corporations could do such things! Wow!

If they were mine, which they ARE NOT, I would absolutely heed your advice. They are not my domains...at all. I don't own anything with a brand name in it...that I am aware of. The ones I buy have keywords like gold, cars, faces, money, investment, etc. I have never done anything with a brand name other than search them to see what's out there learning.

That is the beginning & the end of any involvement I have. So do not worry you guys! I appreciate the concern, by I am totally analyzing hypothetics here I promise you! If I can be sued for creating ipoochie.com for my eCommerce store, then I better get an attorney. Other than that, I am not that person.

 

[tinabacot]

Well, I will never want a domain with established existing entire business name in it

I do not either. I do not want any negative business relations. I just wonder how things work. I do know better than to be deliberate. However, how is one to keep from coming up with a business name they like and feels brandable and suitable, run it through their home state get clearance to use it, researches the web to practice good caution and then have a large corporation attack.

Then, they use it, even after searching the web to ensure no conflicts exist and get into trouble. That is where I think big corporations need to have leniency where intent is absent, and the "offender" will comply to avoid harm.