Same name different extension

[netfleet]

Hi Guys,

Say I own a domain which is identical to another company's name but using a different extension.

Eg ABC Company owns abccompany.com and I own abccompany.net

Now if I add content to abccompany.net which is entirely relating to ABC Company with a big fat disclaimer stating the lack of affiliation, is this defensible?

Clearly if i were a competitor of ABC Company trying to flog my own goods, I wouldn't stand a chance but if it's entirely and unashamedly about ABC Company (and complimentary) I was hoping this would be OK.

Would having ads (non-competitive) count against me? Is a link to ABCCompany.com essential?

I am in this exact situation now as I've received a summons to the dispute panel so any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[DNQuest.com]

With what you described, it is cybersquatting. No matter hope nice you try to be by not having competitors ads, das are still ads and you are gaining commercially from teh ads using the TMed domain.

If you put up a true fansite (as opposed to disguised one with ulterior motives), then you have a fighting chance. Unfortunately, you used the domain for monetary gain, that will hurt you.

 

[netfleet]

Thanks for response.... wish me luck!

 

[labrocca]

Essentially you are making money off their brand. Also since you are NOT affiliated but you have the use of their name in an extension SOME people may be confused...disclaimer or not.

DNQuest is 100% right you are squatting.

Has the company contacted you over the matter?

 

[netfleet]

Yes they have, not directly but by a complaint to the Dispute Resolution Panel so we'll see how we go.

They had registered the same domain name years ago but seem to have dropped it about 12 months ago (I regged it about 2 months ago). I figure because they weren't getting much traffic through it and they wanted to concentrate on their main extension (which is more apt anyway)

will post the findings up here if you are interested.

Thanks again for your responses

 

[fonzie_007]

You may want to consider contacting the company and agreeing to give them the domain if the company retracts their complaint.