As you probably read on TechCrunch or the same article in the Washington Post, Apple recently won a UDRP filing for 16 domain names owned by Daniel Bijan.  The domain names that they were awarded include: blueipod.com, iphonecheap.com, iphonetoys.com, ipodaccessories.info, ipodkits.com, ipodsbaratos.com, macbookpro.biz, macbookpro.com, macbookpro.net, macbookpro.org, macfriend.com, and redipods.com. Clearly these domain names incorporated trademarks owned by Apple.

In a video posted today on YouTube (embedded below), Bijan doesn’t dispute the fact that Apple has rights to these domain names. In the video’s description, Bijan writes, “Apple hurts me, my wife and 3 kids. Not once did they contact me or send a cease and decist letter. I would have gladly gave them the names. Instead, they just start the arbitration process. This is what is wrong with corporations today. Just pick up the phone and call me.” Bijan continues, “What is wrong with this world. Did we forget to treat people like human beings? I will not buy any Apple products.”

Although I can empathize with Bijan a bit because I would be horrified to see my name in a similar article, I have to say that it comes with the territory when you buy domain names like this. Sure it sucks to be called out publicly, especially because anyone who searches for this guy’s name will probably forever see these two articles, however, one needs to be mindful of one’s domain registrations.

When I worked in the corporate world, there was always a saying that went something like “never send out an email that you would be embarrassed to see on the front page of the New York Times.” Likewise, I would advise people to be cautious about what domain names to which they may forever be linked.

Do you feel badly for the guy, or did he get what he deserved?

As you probably know by now, Google launched their version of a mobile phone today called the “Nexus One.”  Unfortunately for Google, they don’t own NexusOne.com, since it was originally registered in 1998. At the moment, NexusOne.com is owned by Peter Villanueva, and the domain name forwards to several different websites depending on when you visit.

I would imagine the owner is probably sending traffic to other (non-phone related websites)  because of the significant traffic its servers are receiving. Should he try to monetize the traffic, Google could potentially have a claim that the owner is infringing on its rights. Of course I am no lawyer, but I do know the domain name is worth a significant amount of money now, and it wouldn’t be worth the risk of losing it to make short term revenue.

Back when it was revealed that Apple was coming out with their iPhone, they had intense negotiations with Mike Kovatch, which resulted in the sale of iPhone.com just prior to the launch. It would behoove Google to find Peter and make him an offer he can’t refuse. Of course, since they own the search engine where many people will go to search for this “iPhone killer,” it’s very likely there will still be significant type-in traffic that shouldn’t be lost.

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