Sale of a domain name

[AnotherUsername]

I'm a bit confused, or maybe surprised and need a bit of outside opinion. There is a large, listed company that goes by the name 'Box-Technologies' - a combination of words I struggle to say, let alone spell.

They have gone to the effort of registering and using BOXTEC as their logo.

They use the domain name boxtechnologies.com

Yet I own both the domain names Boxtec.com and .co.uk

I've approached them a couple of times offering to sell them the domains but not had any response (via their solicitors and directly).

What could possible make a company go to the effort of the trademark etc and not try and get the domain name?

I'm keen to begin using BoxTec myself as we've created some boxing club administration software but keep thinking that they'll come to their senses in a minute!
Should I just crack on and assume they're not exactly the most forwards thinking of companies? I can only imagine that if they have their logo plastered all over the place it will only result in additional click to our site?

[Simpo Two]

It's a wild thought but maybe they don't want to buy your domains... and if you're keen to use BoxTec yourself wouldn't you want them anyway?

[CRA1G]

The way I understand it is If they have now registered "Boxtec" and officially trade marked it you can't use it anyway? So surely the domain you have is now worthless?

[Simpo Two]

CRA1G said:

The way I understand it is If they have now registered "Boxtec" and officially trade marked it you can't use it anyway? So surely the domain you have is now worthless?

Have they registered the word or the logo? Or doesn't it make any difference?

[AnotherUsername]

We own boxtec trademark in a different category.

Just seems odd that any company would go to all the trouble to change their branding but not get the domain that’s all.

[wheelerc]

I have a client who has plenty of cash in the bank but won't buy the .com version of their domain name from someone who is willing to sell for a reasonable price because they don't like the idea of people 'squatting' on domain names. I'm not saying you are doing that, but they may think you are.

Alternately they may really want the domain but you are not getting through to the right person. Have you tried calling?

Or maybe you are asking too much for it?

[vdn]

As long as your use is in another category TM wise, just crack on and use it. It's a good domain name you have there and it might have at least some value on the open market. But I can see why you chased them.

They seem to just not want them... so use it yourself.

[grumbas]

AnotherUsername said:

We own boxtec trademark in a different category.

Just seems odd that any company would go to all the trouble to change their branding but not get the domain that’s all.

It sounds like you're fine to use them, presumably your trademark and registration of the domains pre-dates their rebranding? It would be worth collating a folder of evidence now though rather than trying to do it retrospectively.

If they do take objection though it could ultimately boil down to who can afford the best lawyers or afford the cost of a dispute. Examples escape me but there are cases where small firms have given up, despite a strong case, when up against multinationals as the cost of defence would have put them out of business.

That's my view anyway, the correct answer is get professional advice!

[DSLiverpool]

Assuming they have not been told the price you want I’d assume you’ve not got through to the right person as they’d at least haggle.

Call and ask for the marketing director.