Domain Name Advice...

[sks]

We are setting up a new website and have found domain names ending .co.uk & .com

The domain names we originally wanted are unavailable and not active, although someone owns them.

So we have decided on the same name - but with an "s" on the end - Just wondering if we set the website up, is there any danger of the person who owns the name without the "s" can copy the idea and use that name for the same business?

If so, then should we look to buy a name where we can buy in singular & plural to cover ourselves?

Thank you all.

 

[fisicx]

Just wondering if we set the website up, is there any danger of the person who owns the name without the "s" can copy the idea and use that name for the same business?

Of course they can. You can then have a fight over who got there first.

You are overthinking things. The actual domain name is far less important than you think. The business name doesn't even have to be the same at the domain name. In fact it's better off to use something random so the business can expand and diversify.

 

[Opinion87]

As above.

CEX = webuy.com

 

[obscure]

So we have decided on the same name - but with an "s" on the end - Just wondering if we set the website up, is there any danger of the person who owns the name without the "s" can copy the idea and use that name for the same business?

If so, then should we look to buy a name where we can buy in singular & plural to cover ourselves?

Owning a domain name (with or without an s) provides no protection for your trade mark (the name you use to trade). Nor does registering the name at Companies House.

To protect the name you trade under you have to...
1. Trade under it - you acquire protection for an unregistered trademark just by using it.
2. Better yet, register the Trademark https://www.gov.uk/how-to-register-a-trade-mark as registration allows for a lot better protection.

 

[Andy Davies]

don't get too hung up on the tld - .co.uk or .com isn't nearly as important as it used to be. When was the last time you typed a full URL into a browser? Most people just type in the first bit of the URL and let google work it out for them.

As long as your website is indexed by google you'll be found

 

[NCapital]

You could also think about using a less commonly known TLD. There's a huge list available now, and the domain name you want might still be available with a suitable TLD. Check out the list of domains and see if there's one that's suitable for you.

 

[fisicx]

Most people just type in the first bit of the URL and let google work it out for them.

Ok if you are the only site with a URL that begins with 'bath'. If there are hundreds that start like that your site bathroom.accessories may be way off the bottom of the list.

 

[Andy Davies]

Ok if you are the only site with a URL that begins with 'bath'. If there are hundreds that start like that your site bathroom.accessories may be way off the bottom of the list.

True of course, what I meant was if you’re “bobswidgetsaldershot” that’s all you need to worry about. Nobody’s going to type anything more than that or worry if it’s .co or .net or .xxx

 

[hazeleigh]

We are setting up a new website and have found domain names ending .co.uk & .com

The domain names we originally wanted are unavailable and not active, although someone owns them.

So we have decided on the same name - but with an "s" on the end - Just wondering if we set the website up, is there any danger of the person who owns the name without the "s" can copy the idea and use that name for the same business?

If so, then should we look to buy a name where we can buy in singular & plural to cover ourselves?

Thank you all.

So you need to focus on unregistered and registered rights. Unregistered rights will include such matters as domain names and arguable the person who registers the domain name can prevent you from using something identical with an S. If this person has a trade mark then you will be infringing a registered right and trade mark infringement so do be careful. Check out UKIPO and EUIPO for registered rights and Companies House/Nominet and Whois for unregistered
Michael

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

The person with the domains you want will likely make contact you to sell you those domains. That will be their business, not copying yours!

 

[RobSwan]

Seriously overthinking - just think of all the well known online brands with weird/made up names and all the businesses with names which are pretty random. You can choose anything and focus on building a brand around it.

 

[Flankaaa]

I think that you should consult with professionals, i.e. lawyers about your issue. However, I am also certain that you can come up with really unique name for your website domain, only if you invest enough time to think it through

 

[Victoria_V]

You want your domain name to be memorable and easy to type. Making it plural won't make a huge difference, whereas coming up with a completely unique domain name, as Flankaaa above also suggested, will help your brand in the long run. You will also want to make sure your domain name is available on social media if you plan to use Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

 

[Victoria_V]

Some great insights here: https://fitsmallbusiness.com/choosing-a-domain-name/

 

[fisicx]

Some great insights here: https://fitsmallbusiness.com/choosing-a-domain-name/

Not really. That's just a bunch of random suggestions which if you look at in detail contradicts itself. The very first tip for example does just that.

 

[Victoria_V]

Not really. That's just a bunch of random suggestions which if you look at in detail contradicts itself. The very first tip for example does just that.

Right, maybe not ALL of them are applicable in this specific case, but they can still offer some insight for those of us who are only starting our small-business journey?

Do you know of any good resources where we can read up on choosing a domain name? I looked at your website and you have some a+ material on building websites.