Can I use Misspelled Domain to Promote Affiliate Link?

Discussion in 'Domain Names' started by ColorWP.com, Jan 20, 2008.

  1. #1
    My question is, can I use misspelled domain name of the original site to promote it's affiliate program.

    For example, I want to promote AdBrite's affiliate program, can I register the domain adbeite.com or something similar, that I will redirect to my AdBrite affiliate link. Is it legal?
     
    ColorWP.com, Jan 20, 2008 IP
  2. htmlindex

    htmlindex Prominent Member

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    #2
    There could be potential TM issues by regging a mispelling of their name. Personally, I wouldn't do it but find another domain to promote. Or you could email Adbrite directly & get an official opinion.
     
    htmlindex, Jan 20, 2008 IP
  3. ColorWP.com

    ColorWP.com Notable Member

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    #3
    I gave AdBrite only as an example. I am thinking to promote another services affiliate program.
    For example the Blogging to the Bank product in your signature. Would it be a problem to register bloggingtotehbank.com and promote it's affiliate program?

    Another example is that I am seeing a guy here, registered a domain joinwidgetbucks.com to promote the widgetbucks.com affiliate program.
     
    ColorWP.com, Jan 20, 2008 IP
  4. mq778b

    mq778b Peon

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    #4
    mq778b, Jan 20, 2008 IP
  5. ColorWP.com

    ColorWP.com Notable Member

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    #5
    I don't want to reach the court. ;)

    Ok, let me make it clear. I wanted to promote the PayPerPost affiliate program registering the domain PayPrePost.com (it is PRE not PER).
     
    ColorWP.com, Jan 20, 2008 IP
  6. mq778b

    mq778b Peon

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    #6
    I think one should be a bit bold to promote any business. since evey business should have "something new".

    How much this name costs?
    More there are too many way to misspell any words:
    Pay-Per-Post
    Pay-Her-Post
    Pay-The-Post
    Pay-And-Post
    PayGetMost
    Play-Stop-frost
    Pray-Not-Lost

    Where is a thin boundary which divides ne idea from TM infringement?
    Try-And-Win!
     
    mq778b, Jan 21, 2008 IP
  7. dman_2007

    dman_2007 Peon

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    #7
    Generally you would have TM problems if you use typo domain names to promote your affiliate links. But you can get away doing it some time depending on the individual companies and how tolerant they are of their affiliates using their trademark names.
     
    dman_2007, Jan 21, 2008 IP
  8. ColorWP.com

    ColorWP.com Notable Member

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    #8
    Ok, thank you for the replies. I guess I'll pass from promoting using this kind of questionable-legality typo domains. :)
     
    ColorWP.com, Jan 21, 2008 IP
  9. Joobz

    Joobz Peon

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    #9
    I believe if you try to typo a trademarked name that might be a no-no. For example if you tried using amuzon.com to redirect the traffic to amazon.com, I am sure you might get an email from their lawyers. However, if you used a typo variation of a generic dictionary word that would probably be OK since nobody owns the copyright to a dictionary word like homwmortgage.com (sub the "w" for "e").

    Your best bet would be to consult an attorney who specializes in this sort of thing since I am not a lawyer (but I play one on TV sometimes)
     
    Joobz, Jan 21, 2008 IP