Hey guys, Do you think these 3 domain names are worth anything? The iPad is such a hot device and I bet a ton of people are searching for these keyword phrases since you can download TV shows and comic books onto the iPad. iPadTVShowDownloads.com iPadComicDownloads.com iPadComicBookDownloads.com
Regarding the whole trademark thing, there's tons of domains and sites on Flippa right now with iPad in the domain and they are going for a decent amount. Not only iPad, but you see a lot of other domains and sites with trademarked terms in the name such as PS3, iPhone, iPod, etc. and I have seen some of these sell for a good amount too. I actually bought these with the intent to develop them myself, but after I saw what other iPad domains were selling for, I was curious if mine would be worth something too.
@J1218: I'm 100% with you on the TM issues with domain names: if you don't abuse... (there's tens of thousands of ipad... DN out there anyway!) If you don't spit on the brand: you'll probably be ok.(probably = not 100% sure! lol) Really think your domain name is too long. If I'm a google user and see that URL: I won't trust this phishing look-a-like DN. It's only my opinion, but anyway, noone will pay more then reg fee for it (and be happy if it happens...). If I where you: I would get a refund...lol If you can't get a refund: develop it & you might get a couple of bucks out of it before renewal cancelation. Good Luck!
out of curiosity I just searched 'iPad' on flippa and was surprised at what some of the sites are selling for, most are for low amounts but there are a few gems there for this niche
Flippa has a whole lot of, how shall I say it, 'noobs' that don't know much in my honest opinion. My whole thing with the trademark issue is, yes you can develop it, yes you can sell it but Apple could take it away at any time if it became too sucessful
Yeah that's what I noticed. Even though most aren't selling for a lot, there are a few that have pretty decent bids on em. Maybe I'll just stick em up there and see what happens. It can't hurt.
I'd be real careful with infringing on such a large companies trademark. Not only that, but Apple has been known to go after people who attempt to profit off their marks. Is it really worth it? I mean, sure, you could sell one or several of those domains for $XXX, but then you get a notice that Apple is suing you. Not a position I'd want to be in. There are clear laws on cybersquatting and knowingly registering trademarked domains. Look them up, it couldn't hurt. I'd say let these names drop and don't attempt to make a penny on them. Otherwise, I wish you the best of luck.
I know what you're saying but if that's the case, they will have to sue hundreds (or even thousands) of other people too that use their terms in a domain name. I've seen countless domains with iPhone, iPod, iPad, and all their other products in the domain name. Some of them are pretty aged too which means they have been around for a while without any problems. I realize it's a risk, I just figure that unless I'm in some way hurting their business, why would they come after me over a simple name? I'm not running some powerful site with thousands of followers where I badmouth Apple and lose them business or anything. But yes I do see where you're coming from.
Don't underestimate Apple and, of course, the power of the almighty dollar. Apple is a large company and I'm sure they have a large legal team. In theory, it's not impossible for them to enforce their rights to their legal property. The fact is, they've gone after people in the past, so it's not like they won't. The question is, is it worth the risk? Do you have the funds available to you if they did decide to sue you? The domain laws are clear and there's no way (especially considering you've posted here and gotten advice) you'd win that trial - even with the best lawyer. Yes, there's a chance you could make a pretty penny and get away scot free.... then again, there's a chance you won't. My advice to you is, if you plan on actually developing the site to help Apple's business, then you should simply contact them and let them know what your plans are. Basically, say you registered the domains with the intent to promote their products. If they give you the green light, then consider yourself lucky. Be totally honest with them, though. The most likely scenario I can see is them asking (and by asking, I mean, them telling you, of course) to have the domains transferred to them immediately. In that case, file it away as a learning lesson and move on. Again, just my opinions and advice. I do honestly hope it all works out good for you, best of luck!