closed MICROSOFTXBOX360.COM - Value?

[EarlBarrett]

Upon release/confirmation of the console's name (Xbox 360), expect significant intrinsic traffic, especially while XBOX360.COM is not in Microsoft's possession. People seeking out the official site ("newbies") may well type in XBOX360.COM, which is inaccessible. I presume that MICROSOFTXBOX360.com would be the second name the average Joe would type in (barring of course xbox.com).

If you would like some sort of evidence as to HOW popular this domain could be, visit the Overture search term suggestion tool: http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/ - if you search 'Microsoft Xbox' you will be astonished at the search volume in a month. Type just 'Xbox' and you will see that 'Microsoft Xbox' is the THIRD highest search term! I see no reason why this will be any different for 'Microsoft Xbox 360'. I believe this domain name would make a great website for selling Microsoft's Xbox 360 console online at a competitive price.

I'm aware also that it could be potentially appealing to Microsoft and their team of lawyers. However, the owner of 'MICROSOFTXBOX.com' has had had no hassle whatsoever from Microsoft.

How much do you think this is/could be worth people? I would appreciate your feedback.

 

[Theo]

It really depends about how much publicity it gets. The lower you fly under MSoft's radar, the better for you :-D

 

[David]

I'll give ya 10 bucks for it..... In about 2 weeks Microsoft is gonna be calling whoever's on the whois anyways....

 

[Jonathan]

If Xbox 360 is the name of the Xbox 2, then I bet Microsoft already owns Xbox360.com, and they're not changing the whois info until it because 'official' on May 12th with their show on MTV.

 

[EarlBarrett]

Good point Jonathan, that probably will be exactly what happens. As for MICROSOFTXBOX360.COM, first the whois information has been withheld, and while MS could still probably press the issue, I honestly don't think it will happen having spoken to the owner of MICROSOFTXBOX.COM. Also, I believe the publicity will be MASSIVE for Xbox 360. Given the Overture results for 'Microsoft Xbox' (presuming this trend will continue with the 360), surely this has a significant value? I would appreciate any further comments.

 

[Jonathan]

It's definitely valuable if Xbox 2 becomes the Xbox 360.

I personally wouldn't care to own a domain name with Microsoft anywhere in it.

 

[Pleski]

As long as Xbox 2 is named xBox 360, it would probably be worth a bit. You will have a hard time finding a buyer for now, because there is no guarentee microsoft will indeed name their next console "Xbox 360".

 

[Domain Jedi]

My concern would be future trademark issues. You may be playing with fire! :huh:

 

[mmkrulz]

I'd say run away it would evaluate to a negative amount just because of the huge risk with the trademarks.

 

[EarlBarrett]

My concern would be future trademark issues. You may be playing with fire! :huh:

That's true, I know. Although the point is this: while Microsoft may well be ruthless, I believe one could "get away" with it if you like, if they remain favourable to Microsoft.... you know the rules of playing sweet: link to the official site/disclaimer stating it is in NO WAY official. Also if it's selling Microsoft's product, or being generally positive about Microsoft's product (which presumably it would be) then that is another way of keeping them sweet. Who knows... I suppose it's a gamble, but the dangerous ones are always most rewarding!

 

[David]

That's true, I know. Although the point is this: while Microsoft may well be ruthless, I believe one could "get away" with it if you like, if they remain favourable to Microsoft.... you know the rules of playing sweet: link to the official site/disclaimer stating it is in NO WAY official. Also if it's selling Microsoft's product, or being generally positive about Microsoft's product (which presumably it would be) then that is another way of keeping them sweet. Who knows... I suppose it's a gamble, but the dangerous ones are always most rewarding!

I was reading somewhere about a year or two ago, a kid in Canada, owned Mikerowesoft.com... His name was Mike Rowe and he programed... They sued him, and got his domain.......

I reiterate my last offer of $10....

 

[EarlBarrett]

I was reading somewhere about a year or two ago, a kid in Canada, owned Mikerowesoft.com... His name was Mike Rowe and he programed... They sued him, and got his domain.......

I reiterate my last offer of $10....

I read up on that case actually... He requested something like $5000 (correct me if I'm wrong), but instead ended up with a variety of Xbox products, a visit to Microsoft HQ (I think) and other "goodies" that would appeal to youngsters. So it wasn't entirely a case of "We want that now, so we will have it now". But I think you ARE right... if Microsoft REALLY wanted this domain, they could probably get it.

 

[David]

I read up on that case actually... He requested something like $5000 (correct me if I'm wrong), but instead ended up with a variety of Xbox products, a visit to Microsoft HQ (I think) and other "goodies" that would appeal to youngsters. So it wasn't entirely a case of "We want that now, so we will have it now". But I think you ARE right... if Microsoft REALLY wanted this domain, they could probably get it.

Well, the ONLY reason they even offered him that, was because of the press he was creating, I mean it WAS his NAME. In this case, it is a clear and cut thing, it says MICROSOFT, and it says XBOX, theres no "child, family" aspect to it....

 

[EarlBarrett]

dberube, I'm actually going to relish the prospect of being approached by Microsoft. Honestly, it's happened to me before. I enjoy adversity. I recall selling WWEWRESTLING.COM for $2000 despite the adversity I faced from 'World Wrestling Entertainment'.

 

[kodeking]

I read up on that case actually... He requested something like $5000 (correct me if I'm wrong), but instead ended up with a variety of Xbox products, a visit to Microsoft HQ (I think) and other "goodies" that would appeal to youngsters. So it wasn't entirely a case of "We want that now, so we will have it now". But I think you ARE right... if Microsoft REALLY wanted this domain, they could probably get it.

I think he actually only got a copy of visual studio and $300.

 

[David]

Lucky him.

 

[DigiNames]

I don't think that Microsoft is in the habit of awarding violators of their TMs with free trips and merchandise...That was just one very public situation, and I doubt your name is Mike Rosoftxbox360.

If you attempt to develop the domain name commercially they will just sue you for ownership of the name plus legal costs, and they will win easily.

 

[markk]

wouldn't microsoftxbox360.com have just as many legal issues as xbox360cheats.com?

 

[mohno]

http://www.google.co.jp/search?hl=ja&q="Microsoft+Corporation+v."+site:wipo.int&lr=

 

[Ed30]

Obvious trademark. $0.