FT.com: Cybersquatters race for returns

[dburk]

The race for the White House may have months to run, but the contest to make money out of the candidates’ names on the internet was settled long ago.

Research by NetNames, a UK-based domain management company, found that almost 2,000 sites using names related to John McCain, the presumptive Republican candidate, and Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic rivals, have been registered by people unconnected to their campaigns.

Legislation introduced in the US in 1999 gave companies and individuals rights against cybersquatters who were waiting for a rightful owner to pay them thousands of dollars for a site. Mrs Clinton won the rights to use hillaryclinton.com from a serial Italian cybersquatter in 2005.

But experts say the law is far less helpful in regard to revenue-raising portals that make money from redirecting internet surfers.

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[incka]

I read this in the FT today too. I was wondering if the Italian that owned hillaryclinton.com was italian dragon here.. Probably not though

[BELLC1]

The real jackpot will be in guessing the running mates of each. That would be like hitting the Trifecta since most combinations of likely candidates have also been registered.

[DomainName]

I owned Pres Barack Obama .com and sold it in the early stages of the pres race. The risk/reward just wasn't there for me. IMO, if these candidates wanted a name then they could easily take it...These names are now considered a "household" name.

[Prospecting]

Originally Posted by BELLC1

The real jackpot will be in guessing the running mates of each. That would be like hitting the Trifecta since most combinations of likely candidates have also been registered.

very true,, trifecta, top winner

[simon]

serial Italian cybersquatter in 2005.

lol

[eusjmp]

I own barackobama.net and obama.net. Getting close to selling.

[Candomain]

Hilory.com , PeaceVote.com, FreedomVote.com, EarthVote.com
I have the above for sale or lease. Tried not to buy any with possible identity "claims" to the domains. Any actual name would be lost to the person it identifies; if they want it. The above names are more generic and cover all the candidates. Ok. maybe not the repub's. Peacevote, Freedomvote, Earthvote is more of a democrat state of mind. Based on past history the Repub's don't want anything to do with freedom, peace or the earth. Had to get it out.
Cheers!!
Candomain