I have checked some exired domains lately and i see that alot of them contains names of famous persons. for example: GwenStacy.com and FrancesBean.com . is there any potential to earn something from these domains? ( i see that they get pretty high search per month) thx
I would also would like to add to that question is there possibility of that famous person (or their layers) want to take the domain from its registrant?
I think those kind of domain names can be very beneficial or you can consider to get famous brands/company as domain names if they haven't buy it already.
You have to tread carefully with this, as a celebrity name is basically the same as a trademark (even if it's not registered). They could potentially take the domain from you under the UDRP if you misuse it. They also have a right to publicity which prevents you from using their name or likeness for commercial purposes. They could send you a cease and desist over it and potentially take to you to court if they find that your site violates their right to publicity. It is not illegal to own the domain and it's all in how you use it. You definitely CAN use the domain for a non-profit fan-site (there is legal precedent for this) and you definitely CANNOT use it to sell anything. In the middle there is some gray area. Like if you have an informational site that's monetized by AdSense, I'm not sure where that would lie.
If used to make money using their name, though. Not all celebrity names automatically assume trademark rights depending on how they're used. Still, what you explained is something everyone ought to be aware of.
Ofcourse you can if they do not face any trademark issues . I know steve job do trademark but Gwen Stacy and Frances Bean , i'm not sure. Name is usually sentitive issues because they might just have someone have the same name with celebrity. I believe you still can fight for it even face trademark issues.