Just bought NikonCameras.net. Will I run into any trademark issues? Also, which is better for the camera niche PPC or affiliate or a mix of both? Not sure what affiliate program is best either. Thanks for any help...
I would also agree here that it will become a trademark infringement. I would stay away from this if I were you.
Yeah you will get sued. I know someone who used to own "webkinz-land.com" because it contained a product name. He was hosting an online community which didn't obviously seem like a business venture. By having a trademarked name which are you obviously going to exploit big time - you are only asking for trademark issues. Also - you might be accused of "cybersquatting" which is when you register domains that have no relation to you & possibly try and sell them to the rightful owner. This is more of a technicality than anything to stop people like you registering "Nikon.com" and putting a load of crap up. I don't think anyone is going to reply with what you want to hear...
If your last name were Nikon and you owned Nikon.com and your website had nothing to do with cameras, you'd probably be able to keep the domain. I assume your last name is not Nikoncameras, so it's pretty obvious that you are using the Nikon trademarked name and also related the site to Nikon's key product. Do not build on this site!
Good points for sure there Dave! A perfect example of what you stated is Nissan.com. It is a very interesting case. As Dave said, do not build on it. Why waste the time, because at any moment Nikon can come take your domain due to the TM issue. No site ...No Traffic ...No $$$$ -=Chipmunk=-
I am no lawyer, but this thread got me to thinking about other sites that use a trademarked name because the site is about the product (e.g., review sites, blog sites, etc.) So, if he used nikoncameras.net to have Nikon product reviews, blogs about Nikon cameras, etc., would that work for him? I know that there used to be sites like fordsucks.com, but perhaps those have all been taken down?
Ding... but obviously if not worth the trouble I will get rid of it.. but wanted to pursue this way if possible
CoolCameras.com/Nikon-Cameras There ya go. Now make a slew of pages in your camera site with different variations. CoolCameras.com/Cheap-Nikon-Cameras CoolCameras.com/wholesale-Nikon-Cameras CoolCameras.com/Nikon-Instant-Cameras And put in just the right amont of keywords on each page.
trademark stuff is a really tricky game best thing to do would be to talk with your lawyer to see what he thinks about it and or call Nikkon yourself and they could say yes but you need the following at the bottom and on each page of your website that says you are not affiliated with us etc etc.
I'd like to add my two cents here. I have owned a domain name with ipod in it and I have never had anyone ever say anything to me, no threatening letters, no take downs, godaddy has never said anything, and im getting about 8k visitors a month. Wouldn't worry about getting sued if anyone asks you bought nikoncameras.com meaning your name is Nik and your site is "on" (ie about) cameras
Some will get pissy about it, some won't. That's the point. Hello? Just put the site up, and see what happens.