What's my toy-brand-name domain worth?

**tamper** · 03-02-2010, 05:53 AM

Since 2002 I've owned the .com and co.uk domains for the brand name of a popular 70's toy called a Bigtrak - its roughly as popular and memorable in the UK as a Stretch Armstrong or Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots.

A company is about to revive the toy, and have contacted me interested in buying my domains. Since they are reviving an old trademark, I don't believe there are issues over me trademark-squatting.

I don't have a site there, so it has no Google rank, but I do use the domain for email so giving it up would be a major pain.

Ultimately its value will be determined by how badly the company wants the dot com for marketing, but does anyone have an idea on a ballpark figure?

Cheers.

**chrishirst** · 03-02-2010, 06:52 AM

nothing at all

They own the trademark, you don't.

**SiberForum** · 03-02-2010, 08:16 AM

Why don't sell both domain names at the good price I wonder?

**tamper** · 03-02-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

nothing at all

They own the trademark, you don't.

In practical terms, I doubt that its worth nothing. Even if they have registered the trademark (new registration - old one will have expired 20 years ago), my domain registration precedes that by several years.

I know in cases like this:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03...s_domain_case/

'big' business can unfairly win, but in my case:

a) it would be more practical/faster for the company to pay £x than litigate
b) they have approached me to ask if i want to sell

I just wondered if people had an informed view on a reasonable price to ask for.

**chrishirst** · 03-02-2010, 09:17 AM

Big Trak was really a 1980s toy. One of my children had one and he wasn't born until 1980.

NOW you may find you are on potentially rocky ground.
The trademark cancellation was in July 2002 and your registration was August 2002, consulting a trademark lawyer would be a good move on your part.

**tamper** · 03-02-2010, 10:56 AM

AFAICS, Big Trak (not Big Trak Transport) TM was cancelled in 2001. But I doubt its relevant - the new registration is an entirely different company.

**webcreationuk** · 03-04-2010, 07:27 AM

Ask them to make you an offer. If it's ok, go with that, if not, go further and hold it if you have a good lawyer.

**SiberForum** · 03-04-2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by webcreationuk

Ask them to make you an offer. If it's ok, go with that, if not, go further and hold it if you have a good lawyer.

That would be better if they make offer themselves. he will be able to ask a higher price

**ariya** · 03-04-2010, 11:48 PM

Sell the domain on Flippa / Bido / Sedo / SnapNames. You'll know if people are interested in your domain.

**SpecHosting** · 03-05-2010, 02:32 AM

I would also suggest that you ask them to make you an offer, and, if you are not happy with it, then hold off until you get a higher bid. Take a look at some other "premium" domain names, they go for around 800-2000 ballpark range. So be prepared to hold off for awhile!

**SiberForum** · 03-05-2010, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpecHosting

I would also suggest that you ask them to make you an offer, and, if you are not happy with it, then hold off until you get a higher bid. Take a look at some other "premium" domain names, they go for around 800-2000 ballpark range. So be prepared to hold off for awhile!

If you are showing someone that you are interested in selling the domain name that means (I suppose) that you are ready for negotiation and can sell the domain name at lower price.