Might have had a little result

[Systreg]

On November 4th I registered vwcamper.org.uk and vwcampervan.org.uk, the .com and .co.uk versions were taken at that time, I was just checking some more VW camper domains names, typed in the second one I already have above, and saw vwcampervan.co.uk was available to register, so I swooped on it sharpish.

Google cache shows there was a site parked on that url as late as November 3rd, so they probably just let it drop in the past week or so:

Camper Van HireGoogle cached page for vwcampervan.co.uk

The same parking page is on these 2 site, which are backlinks to the vw url:

Outdoor-rv.com
Northwoodpdfs.com

Hopefully I'll get some type in traffic from that being registered for the last 2 years, I'm quite chuffed at getting that one

 

[nnh]

Looks like it was parked on and off since 2000 but never a site! May get a little type in traffic, may just get your reg fee back! :wink: Nice name tho...Trade mark??

 

[Systreg]

Hi Nnh, I bought it more for the nice name than the value, I have a thing about VW campers, I don't own one, but one day I will buy an old wreck and restore it.

As for trademark, I don't think VW give 2 hoots about their name being used, there are literally loads of sites with VW and Volkswagen in their domain names, and nothing is said about it, also a lot of it relates to older VW's that are no longer made, I reckon VW probably looks at it as good advertising for their marque anyway.

 

[nnh]

Allged Trademark Infringement "Bugs" VW -- Chilling Effects Clearinghouse

 

[grantw]

As for trademark, I don't think VW give 2 hoots about their name being used....

Assuming a trademark holder does not care about people using/abusing their trademark is a very dangerous way of thinking.

Grant

 

[Systreg]

@ Nnh, that's not so much about domain names with their marque in them, it's about Sale of Counterfeit Volkswagen Products, and rightly so, VW should have a problem with people making counterfeit goods that look/sounds like their car products, as for domain names, I think they are safe as houses.

[edit]

@ Grant, if VW had a problem with domain names, all the VW sites that have been around for years, would have all been closed down years ago, I'm not saying they don't care about their trademark, because they obviously do, example in NNh's post above, it's just that they don't seem to be particularly bothered by people having VW websites domains. None of the VW sites/forums I have been a member of ever had any problems.

 

[grantw]

Like I said, that's a dangerous way of thinking.

Park this or put a site on it that contains any ads from a competitor of VW and you open yourself up to court / claims of passing off / paying damages.

I imagine VW see a helpful user forum differently to a domain that's been specifically registered to make money from its trademark via ads on a parked page.

Also, just because there are other VW sites out there doesn't mean they all won't get a solicitors letter next week threatening court action.

You seriously need to wise up.

Grant