If you take a look at ebay right now, it is full of domains with trademark names. Examples would be ipadtablets, ipadgames, etc. I'm sure ebay isn't the only place this is done...seems like trademark names are sold everywhere, and some for really good money. Is trademark infringement really something to be afraid of for a domainer? I can understand Apple going after you if you have the name apple...but what about applegames or applelaptops? I'm thinking about risk vs reward here. If I can buy name like sonycameras and possibly make big $$$ from it, should I? Sure, there is a slim chance Sony wants me to drop the name and I'm out $10. But on the upside, I could possibly make lots of money. Has any experienced domainers had any bad experiences dealings with trademark names? Anyone made good money from trademarks? Does the reward outweigh the small risks invoved in 2 word trademark names?
Profiting from trademark domains it's always a major risk and eBay is not free of irregular or mischievous transactions. I suppose some of the sellers find they are at risk with their domain names and try to find candid buyers. Others are playing the smart guy until the trademark owner catch them... or poor buyers pay for them in the belief they will be able to resell directly to those owners.
Even if you manage to sell it without any problems, you could still be liable for selling trademarked products. Then it becomes a nasty battle of compensation or litigation (with you having to prove the domain wasn't intended to infringe their rights).
Don't get involved with trademark domains.... I have seen a lot of ipad domains go up for sale on flippant about 10 auctions to be honest, I hope people know what they are grtting into by buying thoose domains
On the upside for Sony, they could sue for you thousands or millions. Do you have money to defend yourself in a lawsuit from a big company?
I know some people may make good money if they can get away with it, but me personally I cannot be bothered with doing that kind of business, life’s stressful enough without having to worry about $100,000 fines hanging over your head, it’s maybe something for those with nerves of steel, but it’s not for me.
A trademark is issued FROM a certain time to a certain time, if you happen to own a domain BEFORE (knowingly or unknowingly) PUBLIC launch of the product , the current trademark owner cannot bother you. UDRP is an uphill climb and in most cases if the COMPANY really cares for that name, you may be happily surprised. I did have similar issues with some upcoming (non-yet-trademarked) movie names