whats the difference between a parked site and developed site that helps eBay with their case? They dont seem to go after parked sites?
That's funny thought, alot of the net is trademarked... you know you'd think.. It's free, freaking advertising for them all.
I have a comment regarding the trademark infringing domain name "ebaytrustedsellers.com". I own a domain ticketsbay.com and have no problem with eBay. Which means the word bay is not at issue. If I may be so bold, I see 4 legitimate options which might turn into solutions for you: Offer it to eBay, the company. At minimum, you can recoup your investment. (Tip: See #4 for a better eBay idea) There are many companies which partner with eBay. I can think of a few. SquareTrade is one of them. Why not offer it to a partner of eBay? Why don't you become a partner of eBay? You could use the name if you can work it out to their benefit as some type of supporting eBay service. Truth is stranger than fiction. Which leads me to suggest you should use this as a clever blog topic. There is more than one way to get paid on the internet. Turn this situation into a marketing tool. Given it is a true happening there is nothing eBay can do to you for blogging. Perhaps an additional solution will arise after the smoke clears. Be certain to syndicate and hype it! I will be happy to help you out with the marketing strategy so long as you credit me for the idea in the post. should take us an hour or so tops. I'm game. Quite clever domain grab on your part. Shame if you waste a tremendous blogging opportunity with a true story virtual style. Dear Tekno, this is my recipe for lemonade. Remember "When life hands you lemons..."
Thomas, "bay" is a generic word that's not an issue. The problem is with using the trademark term "ebay".
Duh! I agree with your comment. Which leads me to suppose you missed the entire point of my post. Clearly, trademark ownership was established from the start of tekno's post and never in dispute regarding the domain name. That represents the problem. I was offering a solution. I offered an alternative to creating a larger problem. Clearly, Tekno can't use the domain name without the consent of eBay. Why should the purchased domain become a complete loss? I suggest he use his story: Blogging about his experience, one of the few options remaining, will not infringe on eBay's trademark. Provided tekno gives credit where it is due eBay. It is free PR for eBay. He can even offer to include a banner for them. It is a workable public relations tool. An opportunity in the midst of adversity. Tekno is clever and this story is a true experience. Why insist he eat it? It is a real world experience in the virtual world. A cautionary tale.
dcristo LOL. Glad you like my defense. I'm glad you didn't think I was looking for a fight. One question: You think it would work? I think it would benefit newbs and prevent them from realizing a similar lose money episode.
We are talking about the cost of a domain registration though. I understand where you are coming from but personally would probably just let the domain expire.