Hi there, I've recently registered the following domains: ImaxHD.com ImaxVideos.com 3dMovieTrailers.net Can anyone think of an approximate value for those names? Thanks, Bryan
Quite ignorant comment. IMAX (short for Image MAXimum) is a motion picture film format and projection standard. The mere fact that the company that developed the format happens to operate on the same name doesn't mean a thing - unless you use the domain to compete with the company. Trademark infringement may be pretty straightforward with domains such as MicrosoftXBox.com etc. (which probably triggered your one-line comment that I didn't ask for) but it is certainly not when it comes to other areas.
Before you make comments like this, have you done the research yourself The name IMAX "is" trademarked (15 "live" Trademarks to be exact) and if I was you , I would try and get a refund for the names, its not worth the trouble (http://tess2.uspto.gov) If you were regging it for your new product "IMAX Scooters" then I wouldnt be too worried, but with the names you have registered, its obvious what you plan to use them for?? If you check your your parked pages, there a plenty of "IMAX Theatre" related ads, so you are directly benefitting from their TM. All I'm saying is do your research on this. Even though it may a be genereic term, its how you use the name and whether you are intentionally trying to benefit from their company name.
As a matter of fact, I have - but it all comes down to logical thinking rather than research. Whenever there's a discussion regarding trademark infringement, everybody seems to think whether we 'benefit from the trademark' or not - whereas in reality, the question should be whether we 'benefit from the trademark and cause the trademark owner any direct or indirect loss of revenue'. Talking specifically about the IMAX-related domains, I'm rather sure that the buyer of those domains would not start to compete with Imax Corporation (firstly, it would be plain foolish and secondly it would cost millions of dollars). What the future domain owner will most probably do is promote the IMAX technology, most likely by offering either IMAX-related content or resources. Let's put ourselves in the shoes of Imax Corporation for a second now. On a beautiful Monday morning we discover that some guy has launched a website called ImaxHD.com and is showing publicly available IMAX content through this site. The site has around 5,000 unique visits per day and it has been monetized by using Adsense, meaning it's monthly revenue is most likely between around $400 and $700 per month. The questions we now ask ourselves most likely are: Is the site, in any way, damaging our business? No. In fact, it's promoting our business. Does the site make enough money to make it financially feasible to go through a legal hassle trying to aquire the domain? Most likely not. Is it in our interest to take any action regarding this site? [answer this one yourself] I hope I managed to express my point of view clearly enough. Any feedback is very welcome. I have some ideas - however, I'm looking into selling 2 domains out of the three and developing one. Any joint venture or other ideas are welcome of course
Parking the domains is obtaining revenue from a TM name, simple as that. I am sure they wont chase you for it because the names are pretty ordinary, but it doesnt make it right. Its still not the right thing to do, parking is receiving revenue (although its small revenue) and you have IMAX Theater ads on your site. Your comment about whether it makes enough money to justify the company taking action, it doesnt matter, they probably would never take action as it may be only $5, but that doesnt make it ok to do. The law doesnt care if its $2 or $2,000,000, its still revenue. If you read the below forum, its what a lot of people say "its only made $3.45" - that doesnt matter, its still revenue and "IMAX wont file a lawsuit for $8", you are right, it costs around $1500 to do, so they probably wont, but its still the law People also say "there are hundreds of IMAX sites doing the same" - that just means they are all infringing on the TM, thats all. Have a read through here - http://www.namepros.com/legal-issues-and-disputes Domain lawyers have posted on here and know internet law very well Anyway, we'll leave it at that, Im sure you're ok with these names and Im sure IMAX wont be sending you a C&D letter, but it still gives domainers a bad name and you are better off staying away from names like this. Good luck
ImaxHD.com = Reg fee ImaxVideos.com = Reg fee 3dMovieTrailers.net = Reg fee (but does have future potential once "3D definition" TV's are readily available and have become more popular). Cheers James
I have to agree with the trademark issue. They might not bother you for awhile because there is so many domains on the net. If you did sell them they could take any profit you made plus take you to court. Myself I would not touch them with a 10 foot pole. Not trying to be mean. Just my thoughts.