Ask HN: GoDaddy Trademark Infringement Claim - What do I do?

2 points

14 years ago

Hi All,

A while back I launched http://www.gomommyauctions.com. Yesterday, I received an email from GoDaddy Infringements stating that my domain name conflicts with their trademarks "Go Daddy" and "GoDaddy.com". They demand that I agree to the following -

1. Immediately discontinue any and all use of the Domain Name;

2. Take immediate steps to transfer the Domain Name to us;

3. Identify and agree to transfer to us any other domain names registered by you that contain the term "Go Daddy" or any terms that are confusingly similar to "Go Daddy."

4. Immediately and permanently refrain from any use of the Go Daddy trademark or any variation thereof that is likely to cause confusion or dilution.

5. Provide written assurances within 10 calendar days that you will cease your unauthorized use of this domain and transfer ownership of the Domain Name to us.

6. Inform Go Daddy, in an email sent to *@godaddy.com, of the measures that you have taken in this regard and agreeing not to use any trademarks or copyrights owned by Go Daddy without advance written consent of Go Daddy.

Do I really need to give up the domain name to them? The email does not state "Go Mommy" as the trademark.

If I have to give up the domain, what can I do in order to protect the traffic that I have currently. If I owned the domain this could be simply a 301 redirect to a new domain. (Google Webmasters tool suggests owning it for at least 180 days) However, in this case, if I have to transfer it to them I will most likely lose all traffic and links immediately. Is there a better way to handle this?