bought domain before other co's big project.. what to do ?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Viny, Apr 14, 2006.

  1. #1
    Hello

    What happens if you bought a domain before another company announced it was doing something similar, .. wich later turned to be a major project.

    1- bought the domain to use it,
    2- bought the domain before their plan was published.

    do domain registrants have any rights ... ?
    Have no experience with this subject..

    Is it first use ? is it too late .. you've been overtaken..
    could you go after them legally for some reason ?
    I did some reading .. is this some type of reverse domain hyjacking on the part of the Big Company ?
     
    Viny, Apr 14, 2006 IP
  2. Will.Spencer

    Will.Spencer NetBuilder

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    #2
    If you filled in a few more details, it might be easier to respond to your post.
     
    Will.Spencer, Apr 15, 2006 IP
  3. oldcowhand

    oldcowhand Guest

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    #3
    Yep--tough to answer without knowing some more information. Generally, if you have a legitimate first use that you can prove OTHER than your registration of the domain, then you could win.

    From your post, you seem to suggest that you haven't done anything with the domain. Your chances of hanging on to it in such a case are pretty slim.
     
    oldcowhand, Apr 16, 2006 IP
  4. ViciousSummer

    ViciousSummer Ayn Rand for President! Staff

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    #4
    If they have trademarked the name, then the domain is theirs.
     
    ViciousSummer, Apr 16, 2006 IP
  5. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #5
    It sounds like you bought the domain first (but did nothing with it), but the big company was the first to use the name in actual business.

    If that is the case, then their position is stronger and yours weaker.

    The trademark game is a race. The first one to actually use the name in commerce has the stronger rights to it.
     
    browntwn, Apr 16, 2006 IP