Some clarity on "bad faith" for a newbie.

[EMW Domains]

I've been reading about cybersquatting and buying domains in bad faith. I've noticed everybodies domains are all generic term but I am wondering where the law lies on thing like johnsmithplumber.com and then asking john smith the plumber whether he would like to purchase the domain for reasonable fee (and making a small profit).

I'm sure this has all been asked before but as a newbie would just like the industry stance on this.... is it frowned up on or just plain ilegal?

Thanks

Jimmy

 

[woopwoop]

That's pretty much the definition of 'bad faith' imo. If there's no other reason for you to have the domain other than to sell it to someone with the exact same name it's very tricky and will most likely get taken off you down the road.

Especially with your example. Of course if the domain was more generic and wasn't a clear trademark (whether registered or unregistered) in whatever class of trading, then you may be able to offer it for sale at a later date to someone you found had a similar name.

But JohnSmithPlumbers.com - There's only going to be one company that's allowed to own that name and trade with that business as it's in a particular business class. If you're a plumber and your name is john smith, then you might have a claim to the domain, but if there's a john smith plumber who has been in the business longer, they may have a stronger claim to thisd name.

As you get more experience there are names that you should stay away from, this specific type of name is probably one of those.

 

[rob]

Some make millions from dodgy traffic typos ie. wwwtesco.co.uk , tresco.co.uk and the like.

Other do direct squatting and make lesser cash for more effort.

Each to their own, but I dont go in for that, and do not see it as long term sustainable. Even now the number of cases large and small are growing against those who act on the edges of domaining.

 

[EMW Domains]

thanks for the advice...

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll stay away from that sort of thing...although it may be too late for one that I have just registered as a dot.mobi

I think it's a really good one that I have registered, checked whether it is trade marked and can't find that it is... although a rather large company uses the dot com to redirect people. I've added it to my list of domains for sale.... not sure whether anyone would touch it though...