Here is a question how can Yahoo come after me with hyphens in the name? Seems very low level to come after a name with hyphens. Any thoughts.. and see below ************************* Re: yahoo-search-page.com Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing to you on behalf of Yahoo! Inc. It has recently come to our attention that you registered and are using the above-referenced domain name(s) in the United States, which is/are substantially identical and/or confusingly similar to the famous YAHOO! trademark. As I'm confident you are aware, Yahoo! is a global Internet communications, commerce, and media company, offering a comprehensive branded network of searching, directory, information, communication, shopping, electronic commerce, and other online services to millions of Internet users daily. The YAHOO! website has long been one of the leading Internet destinations in terms of traffic, advertising, and household and business user reach, and the YAHOO! trademark is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Your unauthorized registration and use of the infringing domain name(s) is likely to cause confusion, mistake, and deception as to the source or origin of the infringing domain name(s), and is likely to falsely suggest a sponsorship, connection, license, or association of your website with Yahoo!, and/or is likely to dilute the distinctiveness of the famous YAHOO! trademark. Specifically, in the United States, your registration, use, and/or trafficking in the infringing domain name(s) constitutes among other things, cybersquatting in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1125(d). In light of the above, Yahoo! is writing to provide you with an opportunity to settle this matter amicably. Yahoo! would expect the following from you in return: 1) To the extent reasonably possible, compensate Yahoo! based upon any profits directly derived and reasonably ascertainable from the infringement, or affirmatively state in your response that there were no such profits; 2) Disclose under the penalties of perjury any other domain names that you have registered, directly or indirectly through a third-party, that includes either the component 'Yahoo' or any other trademark owned by Yahoo!, such as FLICKR, GEOCITIES, HOTJOBS, etc., or a variation of the same, or state that no other domain names exist in your possession, custody or control other than those noted herein; 3) Reasonably cooperate with Yahoo! and/or its agent TO TRANSFER (NOT CANCEL) all such infringing domain names to Yahoo!, in accordance with the instructions you will receive from Yahoo! after you agree to cooperate; 4) Promise never to intentionally register, directly or indirectly, whether through an agent, affiliate, or successor in interest, confusingly similar domain names to the famous YAHOO! mark, or any other trademark owned by Yahoo!, such as FLICKR, GEOCITIES, HOTJOBS, etc.; and 5) Promise to take all reasonable steps and implement any necessary safeguards to avoid registering, directly or indirectly, whether through an agent, affiliate, or successor in interest, confusingly similar domain names to the famous YAHOO! mark, or any other trademark owned by Yahoo!, such as FLICKR, GEOCITIES, HOTJOBS, etc. If you desire to settle along the above lines, please let Yahoo! know by reply email within one (1) week. Absent a response, Yahoo! will assume you have no intent to resolve this matter amicably, and will take appropriate action, which may include recovery of any profits you have made and/or an election of statutory damages under 15 U.S.C. § 1117, in an amount up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for your cybersquatting activities. Of course, nothing herein shall waive any of Yahoo!'s legal rights or remedies, all of which are expressly reserved. We thank you, in advance, for your anticipated cooperation. Very truly yours, Jonathan jonathan matkowsky | legal director | Yahoo! Inc.
Two words: trademark infringement. It's an inherent risk when registering and managing domain names. Unless you're prepared to fight a party with deep pockets that potentially has the law on their side, give this one up and take it as a lesson learned. And if you decide to listen to those who might post here telling you to sell the name to them or fight it, be also aware they're likely not going to help you if push comes to shove.