Websites scramble to register forgotten Windows 7 domains

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According to the APC Mag website, the popular xpmediacentre.com.au community site, managed to grab windows7.com.au, while Gavin Howard from IT training agency Which Training was quick off the mark to snatch up Windows7.net.au. Howard told APCmag.com that he was “probably looking to sell off” the domain name in the coming year, saying “I’d love to get $10,000, $15,000 or even $20,000 for it”.

While I doubt that Microsoft is losing any sleep over the many, many name variations for Windows7 domains on offer around the world, the case of Vista Windows Pty Ltd springs to mind; the company was "allowed" to continue using the domain because it was registered way before Microsoft decided on Vista for its latest version of Windows, as far back as 1999.

Microsoft Windows enthusiasts have in the past started their websites using the trademarked name variants of client (or Server) releases, and eventually, most succumbed to the requests of Microsoft to stop using them, for reward or the threat of legal action. It remains to be seen if customers become confused enough to believe that the Australian variants of the Windows 7 address, warrant any sort of legal action on Microsoft's part in the future.

For now, I wouldn't hold out for that 5 figure compensation, should you find a "forgotten" Windows 7 domain still available for registration somewhere.

#1 sin-ergy on 30 Oct 2008 - 10:33

pft, anything to make a quick buck I guess.

#2 afusion on 30 Oct 2008 - 11:47

crazy times we live in. I'm gonna laugh if this guy doesn't get anything.

(1 reply) #3 MMaster23 on 30 Oct 2008 - 12:29

The guy won't get anything as the names are trademark protected. He has to give them up of he will get sued.

This happened so many times. With Windows XP, MSN etc .. even names with the trademark as a part of them got shut down sometimes. MS is brutal about protecting it's image.

What an idiot...

#3.1 +TCLN Ryster on 31 Oct 2008 - 12:13

Back in the times when the game MechCommander was new, one of my friends registered MechCommander2.com and used it to forward to my MechCommander Gaming League website.

Microsoft then decided to make a MechCommander 2 game and set the lawyers on us to recover the domain name. Needless to say they won and all we got was the original cost of the domain.

(1 reply) #4 Angel Blue01 on 30 Oct 2008 - 13:09

Squatters

#4.1 +TCLN Ryster on 31 Oct 2008 - 12:15

I hate squatters too. It's incredibly annoying when you own a domain that has no commercial interest to anyone but yourself. Then you forget to renew it, and within a day it's owned by Sedo or some other such low-life company.

Had I not have bought the domain in the first place, it would still be available now. Sedo only buys up domains that expire so they can make a quick buck from those who forgot to renew them and want it back.

Scumbags!

#5 Don Matteo on 30 Oct 2008 - 14:21

if only the .au wasn't attached to the .com he might make some money.

#6 C_Guy on 30 Oct 2008 - 15:05

Cyber-squatters. So low they make scumbags ashamed.

#7 martinDTanderson on 30 Oct 2008 - 16:49

I don't agree with cyber-squatting, but a company with the size and cash supplies as Microsoft, they shouldn't allow themselves to get into this situation which would eventually lead to legal proceedings!

#8 Mr Spoon on 30 Oct 2008 - 18:33

Yeah but that is stupid.
Surely if I trademark, for instance, my name, does that mean I have control over where it is displayed?

(1 reply) #9 Gabe3 on 30 Oct 2008 - 19:21

even if he doesn't make anything, a domain costs what like $5? so its not like he lost 100s or 1000s

#9.1 hagjohn on 31 Oct 2008 - 19:02

Unless he gets sued, then it will be 1000's.

(1 reply) #10 Raiderman on 30 Oct 2008 - 23:07

It would be funny if MS changed the name from windows 7 to something different. EG. Longhorn/Vista.

#10.1 +Smigit on 01 Nov 2008 - 16:31

They announced Windows 7 is the official name. Longhorn was always the codename until they announced a final one (Vista).

#11 +Echilon on 31 Oct 2008 - 17:52

I learnt my lesson with vista domains. There was no interest from anyone.

(1 reply) #12 smithy_dll on 01 Nov 2008 - 00:57

You have to remember to register a .com.au or .net.au you have to have some legal right to own the domain name. Unless you trademarked Windows 7, or started a company called Windows 7, you violate the Terms and Conditions for registering the name, and if challenged, have to give it up. Microsoft will challenge and the guy won't even get his $99 back.

#12.1 +Smigit on 01 Nov 2008 - 16:34

Hi David

and yeah, Australian domains are regulated so MS probably only has to ask to get it right back. I certainly don't see them needing to even bother to sue unless the guys company already has a Windows7 product.

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