how so? first come, first serve. If a domain is available to purchase they have every right to buy it. no one can do a damn about it.

In someways or another, this is true. But there are laws in place to prevent cyber squatting. People who purpously try and profit off of another business's brand name are illegally infringing on their trademarks. For instance, if I were to registered http://www.microsoft-studio-2004.com, they would probably beable to take it from me. But if I were to register www.vbulletin.net and use it for a new, unrelated company, such as "Virtual Bulletin Newsletter" or something stupid like that, then I can't see them being able to take it. It doesn't really matter though, all worked out in the end. However, I know for a fact that companies can take names with their trademarks in them. A good example was ++++edcompany.com's quest to start up "Yahotties.com". Yahoo contacted them and eventually forced him to take it down... so he posted his source code and now hundreds of other sites are probably out there using it, good one pud! But this proves that big companies like Yahoo can pretty much win any domain name which includes their trademark, "Yahoo" in it..... and even some which don't.

I don't know, just my opinions ;)

You obviously know nothing about internet law.

In my previous post, I already posted a link to the site with cases relating to this issue. If you register a name that is trademarked, or is a well-known brand, the company will be able to get it from you.

For example, just 2 years ago, some idiot registered worldwrestlingfederation.com (I know, it's now known as WWE :) ) - and tried to sell it to WWF (as it was known back then) - WWF was able to sue them and get the domain name for free.

Other examples:

Porsche.org was taken back by the Porsche company.

Another example, this time it's Australian - telstra.org was taken back by telstra.com.

Microsoft has been able to take back any domain that has it's name in it, or is mispelled - the most notable example being micorsoft.com. Also, yahoo was able to take yahu.com and yahooo etc.

One interesting thing - Sting.com was NOT able to be taken back by the singer Sting - basically because the owner's online nickname was Sting as well - this was quite a few years ago.

Do some research, then post again. :)

vBulletin is not Trademark.

Neither is Jelsoft.

oh and Cyber Squattin as you calle dit Erwin happens ALL OVER the web.

Infact, a website name purchased by a friend of mine is the name of 1 of the most popular online games in its day...and still kicking.

It is a first come first serve with online activity. If a owner does not renew their contract with the companies registering the names, its fair game...

works like this kinda...

http://www.networksolutions.com/cgi-...&SearchType=do

according to that:

Expires on..............: Nov 23 2003 7:02AM

that is when aol.com expires...

if it is forgotten or whatever, I can register it myself for 12.95 ;)

And sell it back to AOL for millions. You can look on eBay? for sites also auctioned off there.

Doesn't matter, it's still a brand. :) Let me just say that WIPO does not look favorably on people who buy domain names to resell it to the company - it will not work nowadays. 5 years ago, maybe. Today, I don't think so.

That's because the company who produces that game has decided not to sue over it. It is in their benefit for 3rd parties to promote their games. But if they bring it to court, they will probably get the domain name. Most game names are trademarked and/or protected by copyright law.

LOL! That shows you how much you know about internet intellectual property law. It's not first come first serve when it comes to these things. You find sites being sold basically because the company has decided not to pursue it - if they do bring it to court, they will probably get the domain name.

Okay, I'm not an IP law expert - I work in the medicolegal arena - but I've done quite a bit of reading on this. Anyway, I encourage you to do your own research. :)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 'R' sign means Registered Trademark right? This means, that this word has been registered and cannot be used otherwise they can sue. I don't know if it's the same a the 'TM' sign which is trademark. I'm not too clear on the differences.

"R" sign means it is a REGISTERED TRADEMARK.

"TM" sign means it is a TRADEMARK PENDING REGISTRATION.

So is it illegal to use a TM even though it's not officialy registered yet?

You can only use "R" for federally registered trademarks.

You can use "TM" or "SM" (service marks) for your own logos if you are providing goods or services with it, even though it is not registered, to show that it belongs to you. (NOTE: Please check with your lawyer for local laws please! :) )

Wow its serious business - i'm posting a thread about this now :)

- miSt