My journey to becoming a domainer

Started by a112, Sep 20, 2022, 02:38 AM

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a112Topic starter

I have a story to tell you, esteemed audience. Once upon a time, many years ago, in a distant land...

My journey in the world of domain registration began around 2011, when I started creating online projects after attending a business course. At that time, I had no knowledge of parking lots, DNSs, or domain delegation. I registered and threw out domains as I pleased, mainly for my own projects, without paying much attention to domaining. However, I did end up with some interesting domain names that were consonant with well-known brands or topics that caught my interest.

Recently, I acquired a dozen .fr domains that are similar to my native .com or to the actual brand, and now I am interested in monetizing them. I reached out to production representatives to launch a site with the help of my domain and attract new dealers and potential customers for a monthly fee. Some were receptive, while others questioned why I had registered the domains without informing them.

My first question is how can I monetize my branded domains without selling them to the brand owners? Secondly, I wonder what will happen if there is conflict over the domains, and whether official permission from the office received by email or on Facebook will protect me in case of legal action.

Ultimately, I have come to realize the value of brands, especially after discovering one of the whale oil companies was already taken. When I inquired about purchasing the domain, the owner offered to sell me his entire basket of 1000 domains for one million dollars.
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CreativeDreamrz

The purchase was at a fairly low price point, falling within the range of $xхxX. I opted for this price range as I recognized that brand disputes with lawyers and trademark holders can be time-consuming.
The purchase was made by the company's employees as a gift to management just before Chinese New Year. In Chinese culture, it is generally not viewed as favorable to pursue legal action and they prefer to negotiate and purchase if the price is reasonable.
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Kate

What an interesting and risky experience :)  You are lucky enough to avoid lawsuits. Great lesson for those who want to create and sell branded domains. Thanks for sharing
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mdillinger

Thank you for sharing your interesting experience. I'm curious, were only two parties interested? Did you offer the services of a remote site admin to the others? If nobody agrees, I am thinking of launching the sites at the official address and drop shipping orders with a picture of the first official store if they do not mind.

It's unfortunate that the LE domain did not work out and it was taken before you could register it. I can imagine how productive a partnership could have been with that domain.
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robnelson80

Monetizing your branded domains can be done through various methods. One common approach is to develop websites or online platforms related to the brands or topics represented by the domains. This could involve creating content, promoting products, or offering services that align with the brand's image. By attracting traffic and engaging users, you can generate revenue through advertising, sponsored content, or even by charging for access to certain features or resources on your site.

However, it's important to note that using branded domains without permission from the brand owners can potentially lead to legal issues. While receiving permission from the brand owner via email or social media might provide some level of protection, it's not a foolproof solution. Official permissions are generally more reliable and legally binding, so it's advisable to pursue those if possible. Without proper authorization, you risk facing legal action, which could result in financial penalties or even the loss of the domains.

Regarding your encounter with the owner of the whale oil company domain, it seems like they are trying to sell you their entire portfolio of domains for an exorbitant price. Whether or not it's worth pursuing such a deal depends on your specific circumstances, budget, and business goals. It's always a good idea to carefully evaluate the potential value and profitability of the domains before making any significant investments.

Overall, it's crucial to ensure that you are well-informed about the laws and regulations surrounding domain registration, trademark infringement, and intellectual property rights. Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in this area may be beneficial to fully understand your rights and obligations as a domain owner.
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