question about similar sounding domain

[strobemonkey]

I have registered a domain called snappy-snaps.com a few months ago. Before using this domain name for my new website, I just want to ask if I will get into trouble with snappysnaps.co.uk ?

cheers

 

[Steep]

You might, you could, possibly, but only if they care enough to do anything about it.

 

[KMPhoto]

As Hugh says, you could if they wanted to have a go. Snappy Snaps is their trademark so the could say you are infringing on that.

Maybe when your site is big and successful, they will come knocking. In the meantime, you might be all right

Having said that, Toy-R-Us go after anyone who uses the "R" in their domain name.

 

[Treesie]

I'm quite suprised snappy snaps didn't have your domain name already as they already own snappy-snaps.co.uk and almost every other combination! Because of this in my opinion they may well contact you. It is a risky proposition and I would certainly do a bit of reseach to look at how the company would treat an infringement of copyright... you wouldn't want to be slapped with a lawsuit.
At the end of the day they could bully you into handing it over on the basis that to go to court against a big company over copyright/trademarks infringements would cost £££££'s and on that basis they will win.

 

[Dippy]

seconded I am suprised they did not already own that domain name. As far as I am aware, trademarks are only valid if registered, Coca cola own their trademark, but it does not mean they are the only caffiene based fizzy drink in the market. It just stops people imitating thier logos and slogans (as far as I understand it)!!

On a seperate note, the fact that you are asking this question tells me it does not sit 100% comfortably with you, indeed how would you feel if 6 months down the line someone else started trading with a .net version of your domain name.???

It would be a PITA if you registered this domain name and then spent money getting cards & merchandise made up with it only to have to change it 6 months down the line.

A further note to add here is Google rankings rate domain names that contain the word "photography" higher than those that dont, so snappysnaps.whatever would always rank lower than for example cheapweddingphotography.co.uk.

 

[mattyh]

^^ It wouldn't always rank lower - It depends on a number of factors, not just the domain name.

Some of my domains are ranked higher than the so-called keyword domains that offer a match to the keyword.

Anyway, back to the OP - I'd imagine it would be a slightly risky strategy to be honest - I would be tempted to sit on it for a bit, maybe do a few bits with it (Google Adwords for domains, for example) - I wouldn't build a business on a shaky domain name though - What happens in a few months IF they come a knocking - You'll end up giving the domain up, becuase they've got deeper pockets than you.

That'd be my choice