Same name as competitor?

[Mike]

Hi all,

I have found a domain name with keywords in that I would like to purchase. However, when I searched for these keywords the top result displays the same name I want, but in a .com version, if you get me.

So I want keywordkeywordkeyword.net, but the number one result for these keywords has keywordkeywordkeyword.com.

My question is should I get this .net version, or is it just asking for trouble?

Thanks a lot,
Mike:)

[Chris]

If the phrase is trademarked you could get in trouble yes.

If it is a generic phrase like buyviagracheap.com then its fine.

You can't trademark a generic phrase.

[Mike]

Do you know how I can find out if it's trademarked? There is nothing obvious that I can see, but really I don't know where to look.

Also, if I approach a site who is already linking to my competitor, asking them could cause problems with the names etc. Not really sure if it's worth all the hassle.

Thanks for your earlier response, and congrats on getting 500 posts:D

[Chris]

Does it carry a TM symbol or R symbol anywhere on their site? Trademarks HAVE to.

[Mike]

From what I've seen, no.

But I have just come across a problem. When I typed in the actual domain (like www.example.net) I came up with the MSN screen which says "We can't find 'www.example.com' " etc. So I thought it was available. But when I tried to search for its availability on a domain site, I'm told that it's unavailable.

Then I put "http://www.example.net", and I got a Gateway Timeout. So I guess it is actually unavailable?

[Chris]

If you can find it in a whois search it is not available -- even if there isn't an actual working website associated with it.

[Mike]

Oh well:(

Thanks for your help Chris.

[chromate]

Don't you just hate it when that happens? You come up with something you think will really work out well and then you find something out that brings the idea crashing down! :)

If it doesn't have a website behind it, the owner may consider selling it. Look at the whois info, get the email address and mail them about it. Chances are you wont have much luck, but if you're willing to pay a bit extra (and if it's a good domain for your project then it may be worth it!!) and the domain owner needs the money or something, then you just might get it.

Worth a try anyway! Nothing to lose.

[Mike]

Yeah thanks chromate, I'll try that:)