Typo domains

[winterwisp]

Hi there

I know there are lots of threads concerning this and generally it's not approved of. However I was looking through the sales section of this forum and there seem to be alot of people selling typo domains. Is this a grey area? I registered a few typo domains before finding this forum and I was going to let them expire but I'm not sure now.

What are your opinions?

 

[bobdigital]

do they get traffic?

 

[DNQuest.com]

Depends on the typo. Is it a typo of a TM? then that could be bad (confusingly similar). Typo-squatting has been viewed teh same as cybersquatting.

 

[winterwisp]

Yes, they get traffic and they're TMed. From what I know I should drop them. I see people selling typos of TMs on this forum though so I got a little confused. Is it really a personal choice of whether you want to take the risk?

 

[Kate]

If there is money at stake somebody will always be willing to take a chance
Typos of TM are TM infringements and you can be possibly sued.
With generic typos you should be fine.
Since there is a legal risk it is common for TM typos to sell for max. 24 month of traffic revenue.

 

[winterwisp]

From reading around I've seen people say that you can still get sued if you don't own the domain anymore but sold it before. So it seems really risky. If you do get contacted do they usually sue you rightaway? Or do they usually just send a letter telling you to drop the domain?

Thanks btw, rep added for these insightful replies!

 

[Kate]

Usually brand holder will call the shots by sending a C&D. If you don't comply next step could be UDRP or they could sue you downright.
Whatever the outcome is lawyers can make your life miserable so it's best to avoid them.
If you register TM typos of a big corporation like microsoft they could even want to make an example out of you and publicize the case (for example if you are reluctant to comply :D) and this could mean a lot of heat and aggravation.
If you want to get involved with domains on a professional level you should avoid at all costs being labeled as a cybersquatter. Also UDRP decisions are published on the WIPO website with full names of the involved parties so this will leave a trail you could do without.

 

[DNQuest.com]

Yes, they get traffic and they're TMed. From what I know I should drop them. I see people selling typos of TMs on this forum though so I got a little confused. Is it really a personal choice of whether you want to take the risk?

I see alot of people drive 75 in a 55 mph zone....

It is their risk, only you can determine yours. So don't be confused.

 

[winterwisp]

I see alot of people drive 75 in a 55 mph zone....

It is their risk, only you can determine yours. So don't be confused.

Thanks, that's a great analogy. I get it now. Thanks everyone who replied! rep added!

 

[armin]

Lol, its said to get a typo in your domain.

 

[Rasta Panda]

Typo domains can actually sell and they do get traffic if you run them right.

 

[ji]

Typo domains can actually sell and they do get traffic if you run them right.

And that makes it OK?