The launch of hundreds of new gTLDs over the course of this and coming years, has been a challenge.
Facing resistance from old school domain investors and other skeptics, the ICANN program evaded several obstacles in the year preceding its launch.
While there are rules in place, and even methods to protect trademarks, there is no silver bullet that would shield trademark holders from potential violations in the use of gTLDs.
Just what is Nike.bike all about, we aren’t sure; the domain isn’t owned by Nike corporation. Apparently, its registrant thought, “just do it.” 😀
Plenty of trademark violations are present in gTLD registrations.
Another hidden trademark violation is demonstrated in the auction of Pet.land, a domain presented at Flippa as an opportunity to build “a blog about pets.”
Unfortunately, Petland is a registered trademark owned by no other than Petland.com, and while its owner wants $2,000 dollars for it, he might lose it via a UDRP or through the new rapid method specific to gTLDs.
So keep in mind that while there is plenty of room to create some great domain hacks, there is always a risk of running into trademark violations; always treat the keyword + gTLD as a potential mark under protection.
This post is 100% true!
Very good advice in this article, but as well all know people will continue to do stupid foolish things in the hopes of a quick buck. The registars make money either way, so they can do little to stop it. So many random trademarks out there now days, with the candy news, I have lost all faith in the Trademark Office.