TradeMarks, Company Names, Celeb Names

[tedsudol]

Hi,
Often you will see a domain name that uses a well known company name, or trademark sell for big money. There was just one recently that sold on ebay for more than $26,000 and had when I last looked 29 bidders.

I've read on the forums to stay away from those because you put yourself in the path of possible legal action if the owner decides to press his claim. ICANN can force you to give up the name.

I've read that even some fan sites for a company, after existing for several years without the company complaining were stomped out - whether that was a change in management, legal council or something else. To me it doesn't really matter - whether today or tomorrow or some day in the future you put yourself at risk. The ebay auction looked to me like a lawsuit waiting to happen. SEDO and other parkers won't even accept a name for parking if they think there are potential trademark issues.

So my question is why are so many people bidding so much money? Is there something I'm missing?

What about company names, People Names, Celebrity names, typos of any of these. Are they names that you should avoid or names you can make a profit on? Thanks in advance for your help.

All the best,
Ted Sudol