Use of .com domain

[chris_w]

Hi all,

New to your forum... and guess what.

I need a little help.

I currently own my surname as a .com (not a particularly special one). I haven't updated it in nerly two years - although I'm nering a project that will relaunch the site in a few weeks.

I was contacted yesterday by a company using the .ltd.uk domain..... they don't feel that this is giving them the appropriate expousure.

Here comes the worrying part....

They asked me if I would consider "surrendering" my .com to them and use a "more appropriate" domain for my personal use.


Obviously I feel the domain I have is quite appropriate but I just like to check I'm on solid ground here before I decline their "kind" suggestion.

1. Is it appropriate for me to use a .com domain for personal use?
2. Do I have to make sure the site is updated regularly to prevent people from staking a claim to it?
3. Is there anything else I need to consider?

Thanks very much for your help in advance - Obviously I'm a tad concerned about this and I don't posess much knowledge in this area.

Chris

 

[Xyzer]

theres nothing wrong with having a .com domain for personal use.

 

[sdtrader]

I would be inclined to advise them that they may want to consider surrendering a payment to you and you might consider the inconvenience
of looking for an alternate domain for your purposes.Otherwise you are quite happy to use the one you have painstakingly acquired.

I might add that many companies have paid small fortunes to wrestle control of domains from private citizens who previously owned them.They know that and are hoping you don't.

 

[RJ]

1. Is it appropriate for me to use a .com domain for personal use?

Absolutely. There is nothing that requires you to use a .COM for business purposes.

If you're asking if this other company can come in and take the name from you, it's unlikely.

When you register a dot com name, you agree to abide by the UDRP (uniform dispute resolution policy). This means any company that feels you're violating their trademark can file a UDRP dispute to try to win the domain. To be successful in claiming the name, the burden is on the complainant to prove three things: (paraphrasing)

1) That the domain contains their trademark, or a confusingly similar variation of it

(they may be able to prove this, if your surname is the same as their company name)

2) That YOU have no legitimate rights or use for the name

Since it's your actual surname and you've developed a personal site on it, they cannot prove this.

3) That you registered and/or are using the name in bad faith

Again, there's no way they can claim you registered or are using this name with bad intentions, or to capitalize on their trademark.

A UDRP case is decided by a panel, often retired judges or lawyers. You have the opportunity to defend your registration. It's not the function of the UDRP to determine who has the "better use" for a domain, only that its being held by anyone with legitimate rights. From what you've said, I don't believe you have anything to worry about. Don't worry, go ahead and decline them.

Good luck! And welcome to NamePros.

RJ

 

[chris_w]

Thanks for your quick replies - I feel a whole lot better now.

Looks like I can keep my domain after all.


Thanks again,

Chris

 

[barefoottech]

I had a similiar Email and it was just a scam to sell me at an inflated price the more appropriate name

 

[chris_w]

OK - I've declined their "kind" offer and "thanked" them for their comments :tu:

This isn't a scam - the company and the Managing Director who contacted me are very real. They've just gone international - this is probably why they are after a .com

If I do get another email I'll let you all know what happens - hopefully this will be the last of it.

Thanks for all your help....

Chris