Tm Issues & Sales

[HolySmoke]

Hi,
Still a little confused about TMs.
Sedo has, for example, bids on over 50 names beginning with "Ipod".
As "Ipod" will surely be a TM will these purchasers be wasting their money?
Can't understand why someone would pay $$$$ for a name they will have to "hand over" or am I missing something?
Thanks.:yo:

 

[typist]

They will have do hand it over - if the domain is used in bad faith and Apple insists (depending on applicable tm law and/or arbitration procedures).

Apple has posted some pretty strict guidelines regarding tm usage http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/guidelinesfor3rdparties.html

...they have even been trying to police the use of "pod":
http://news.com.com/2100-1030_3-6105789.html

I have no idea about ipod-domains, but it's no big suprise if those which get traffic can be profitably parked. Maybe some domains have traffic stats at sedo?

 

[DNQuest.com]

It is soley up to the TM holder to enforce thier rights. Frankly, I am quite surprised that major companies don't go to the main domain auciton sites just to check on what's being offered, that would greatly slow down the infringing sales.

But in the end, it is the risk/reward factor. Why these domains sell is because someone beleives the rewards outweighs the risk.