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The ONE Mistake Commonly Made when Registering a Domain

Written by: Shannon Moore

Article Overview: You found the perfect domain name for your business and it's available. You're free to register it, right? WRONG!

The ONE Mistake Commonly Made when Registering a Domain

You found the perfect domain name for your business and it's available. You're free to register it, right?

WRONG!

While the name may be available on domain registries, it could easily be owned by another party on the trademark or common-law levels. Prior to registering your domain name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted.

It is every business owner's responsibility to ensure that the name they're using is truly available. Don't assume that the name is available simply because you're able to file for the domain.

Comprehensive research includes searching the:

• pending and registered Federal trademark files;
• registered State trademark files;
• national Common-Law files, which includes DBAs, incorporations, product announcements, newspapers, company directories, etc.

Comprehensive research should also include a search of names that are similar in Sound, Appearance or Meaning! This entails searching synonyms, word placements, spelling variations. It's not just exact names that could be a problem for you; similar names matter too!

Another important area that should be paid attention to is the industry. Completely different industries with the same or similar names should not be an issue to one another. But, of course, like with so many issues dealing with names, there are grey areas and each situation differs from the next.

While there are some free preliminary sites you can search, it's best to leave the comprehensive research to a professional search company or a trademark attorney.

Don't make the mistake of assuming no one else owns your domain name – only comprehensive research will tell you that!

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URL change - Hi The AnonymousMan, When one has a Domain Name ie URL, I understand, it is not possible to change it. One has to take out a complete new Domain. Is that correct? However, if you can change it, how can you do it? Kindest Regards, Beat "Unlock People's Potentials!"
When choosing a domain. - Hi there, What factors are important when choosing a new Domain Name? One needs to be creative and selective to get an attractive name. What challenges have you had in choosing a new Domain Name? Which provider proved to be excellent? I am at the starting point to find a good hosting provider. I guess the choices are immense. Kindest Regards Beat Muelller "Unlock People's Potentials!"
Re: HI EVERYONE - HI All, I'm back too.. Was on a hiatus creating an online product. Made myself accountable for that by getting customers to pay for it first while I created it with them.
Re: How Much Do You Need To Start? - In this age of Internet you might start with just $50 or nothing at all. To start an affiliate website with a squeeze page to collect emails you only need to start with this Domain name $9 Hosting $24 PPC to test your niche $17 This is $50. Though you will need to design and upload your site yourself.
Hyphen versus Full Stop - Hi There, It is astounding, as to how much variety can be used to create Domain Addresses. What about using a full stop or more commonly used as 'stop'? (.) It is easy to communicate. Interested to hear your views. Beat "Unlocking People's Potentials!"


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