Using a popular domain name with added words? Turns out it's a no no

[SchneiderMan]

Is it ok to use a popular domain name and add to it a word or letter after the name? I really don't know if that's ok or legal? Let's say for example Macrumors.com, is it ok to have Macrumorss.com?

I have something in mind that is available and would be worth a lot I would tell you but I cannot trust you haha

 

[awmazz]

I can't see why not, like I could register gadgetmacs.com. Or even just gadgetmac.net if you don't already have it. A lot of sites are also registered for mispellings of names too to try and grab people who can't spell the name of the site they're looking for, eg gadjetmac.com.

Here's a real example - http://dizneyland.com/

Different situation in Australia from the .com free-for-all where a .com.au domain requires an actual registered business. Even if your own name is Ford you can't get ford.com.au or even fords.com.au, which only a company called Ford can get.

 

[robbieduncan]

There is certainly a difference between adding a single letter and adding words. I'd view adding a single letter or going for common mis-spellings as pretty sleazy.

 

[Theappmachine]

I don't think that to register mispelled domain is illegal... I can have a lot of reasons to register http://www.applea/b/c/d/e/.com

 

[splitpea]

There is certainly a difference between adding a single letter and adding words. I'd view adding a single letter or going for common mis-spellings as pretty sleazy.

Yup, sleazy but legal and done all the time by domain squatters.

It may not be legal if you mimic the original site's design -- at the very least a copyright violation; and I assume there's something worse they could get you for if you're attempting to impersonate them.

 

[SchneiderMan]

That's what I thought. I'm sure it can get sleazy haha but I have no bad intentions.. Just a fan who thinks it would be cool.. If I go ahead and buy it I'll let you know. Thank guys.

Edit: w00t! Bought Engadgete.com I doubt I'll do anything with it though.
Could be the French version of Engadget.com haha

 

[SchneiderMan]

Oh come on guys I just got an email from Engadget's Joshua Topolsky:

"Unfortunately, that would be in violation of Engadget's (and AOL's) copyright.

I would strongly suggest that you do not use that domain for a site, and in fact, if you have registered the domain, you will have to turn it over to AOL.

Joshua Topolsky
Editor-in-chief, Engadget"

 

[awmazz]

Gee, that was quick. How did they even know you registered it? It seems Splitpea was on the money then as to your actually being able to use it without infringing on their copyright trademark. I was thinking purely about just being able to register it as opposed to actually using it, sorry.

 

[SchneiderMan]

Well a day before buying the domain I sent Joshua an email syaing if it would be ok to buy that domain and I did not get an email back so a day later (yesterday) I purchased Engadgete.com and today I got the email from him.
I was not planing on using it for a site but just to own it.. Currently it's forwarding to my personal site.

 

[kdarling]

Oh come on guys I just got an email from Engadget's Joshua Topolsky:

"Unfortunately, that would be in violation of Engadget's (and AOL's) copyright.

I think he meant trademark, since the cybersquatting protection act prohibits sites names that are too similar to those.

"Engadget" is (or should be) a trademarked name. If it's not, they can't stop you.

 

[SchneiderMan]

I think he meant trademark, since the cybersquatting protection act prohibits sites names that are too similar to those.

"Engadget" is (or should be) a trademarked name. If it's not, they can't stop you.

Thanks. Is it registered http://www.trademarkia.com/engadget-77027957.html

Oh well. btw using the word mac is ok correct?

 

[alphaod]

Why'd you email them.

 

[miles01110]

...why are you asking here? If you really care, consult a lawyer.

 

[SchneiderMan]

Why'd you email them.

I wanted to make sure. I don't want to cause problems. I just now changed the forwarding to Engadget. They should thank me, I purchased them a good domain