Business Name and registering Domain name

[Guest guest]

For over a year, now, I've been working on a small product line. It was

once a dream, then it became a goal, after a nice fellow and friend who

sells eo's sampled some of my body oil and offered to try to sell some in

his small shop. At the time, it was in a plain, unlabeled bottle, so I

snazzed it up in regards to packaging. This inspired me to continue, and I

started working on other things. I thought I could try to sell my treasures

at craft fairs and what-not.

 

Now I make soap, (my most rewarding accomplishment) body butters, lip balms,

a bedtime balm, and a couple other things. My goal was to provide high

quality " natural " products, simple packaging, and low cost to my customer.

So many hand-crafted items can get so pricey! I wanted to touch a broader

market. did I expect to get rich? Absolutely not, I just wanted to make

enough so I could keep doing it.

 

Anyway, I'm trying to get to a point. After a recent post asking for advice

on a business name, I followed a link to a " Network Solutions " website.

(very useful, thank you whoever posted that!) I had already decided on a

name for my biz after my friend offered to sell my oils...Botanical

Aromatics. I did some google searches when I first thought of it, and came

up with nothing, so was hopeful it wasn't already " taken " . I had not

applied for a business license, yet, though, but didn't think that much

about my losing my Co. name.....

 

Well, on this Network Solutions website, I typed in

botanicalaromatics.com....and guess what...it's taken! I couldn't believe

it. guess I was being nieve, but I noticed the date when the applicant

bought the domain name, and it was Feb 4, 2004. This was after I had come

up with the name, and after I started posting it in my signature line. I'm

wondering....without trying to sound accusatory...but wondering if I should

not have put my business name in my signature until I had secured some sort

of legal " hold " on the name?? I'm just wondering if...somebody...could

have seen it on some list (i belong to several), and thought " what a great

name! " , ....checked to see if the domain was taken...finding it

available...and securing it for themselves.

 

Oh, I feel so bad just thinking that, I mean, I suppose ...somebody...could

have thought it up on their own, it's not such an uncommon theme, you know.

Botanical....plants and herbs and oils...and all that, plus aromatics, very

common term used in the AT world.

 

I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name of the organization

that bought the domain name of Botanicalaromatics.com sounded familiar to

me. So I checked my files and found the catalog. It's an eo supplier,

but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics. I never bought

anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth several times, because her

website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was partially set up, and

she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I needed prices. She

kept saying next month, next month, everything will be up and running, but

it never was, finally she sent me a catalog with a nice cover letter,

offering a 10% discount on my first purchase. I never did make that

purchase, but my e-mails to her had my sig line in them and all....so, you

know, just wondering here.

 

What does anybody think? Am I making incorrect assumptions? Should I

have secured the name before publicly posting it on lists? I feel really

bad about this whole thing, for several reasons, of course. Losing my

name possibly, thinking bad thoughts about another individual...

 

Opinions?

 

 

 

Christy

 

_______________

Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee®

Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963

[Guest guest]

Okay, my opinion. But remember this comes from a nasty suspicious Bitch of

a witch.

 

Sure sounds damn suspicious to me. Sounds like someone is a sneaky low down

slime bucket. And next time Christ, buy the name first. Because there ARE

nasty sneaky, low down life forms out there just waiting to pounce.

 

I'm really sorry.

 

Hugs.

 

K

 

Cheers!

Kathleen Petrides

The PurrfinickyQueen

http://www.fatcatcandleco.com

Candles, Kitty Carpets, articles, practically everything but the Hairball!

 

 

> [Original Message]

> Christy Greenway <fufuno1

> <Oils_Herbs_Etc >

> 11/7/2004 6:50:27 PM

> Business Name and registering Domain name

>

>

> For over a year, now, I've been working on a small product line. It was

> once a dream, then it became a goal, after a nice fellow and friend who

> sells eo's sampled some of my body oil and offered to try to sell some in

> his small shop. At the time, it was in a plain, unlabeled bottle, so

I

> snazzed it up in regards to packaging. This inspired me to continue,

and I

> started working on other things. I thought I could try to sell my

treasures

> at craft fairs and what-not.

>

> Now I make soap, (my most rewarding accomplishment) body butters, lip

balms,

> a bedtime balm, and a couple other things. My goal was to provide high

> quality " natural " products, simple packaging, and low cost to my

customer.

> So many hand-crafted items can get so pricey! I wanted to touch a

broader

> market. did I expect to get rich? Absolutely not, I just wanted to

make

> enough so I could keep doing it.

>

> Anyway, I'm trying to get to a point. After a recent post asking for

advice

> on a business name, I followed a link to a " Network Solutions " website.

> (very useful, thank you whoever posted that!) I had already decided on

a

> name for my biz after my friend offered to sell my oils...Botanical

> Aromatics. I did some google searches when I first thought of it, and

came

> up with nothing, so was hopeful it wasn't already " taken " . I had not

> applied for a business license, yet, though, but didn't think that much

> about my losing my Co. name.....

>

> Well, on this Network Solutions website, I typed in

> botanicalaromatics.com....and guess what...it's taken! I couldn't

believe

> it. guess I was being nieve, but I noticed the date when the applicant

> bought the domain name, and it was Feb 4, 2004. This was after I had

come

> up with the name, and after I started posting it in my signature line.

I'm

> wondering....without trying to sound accusatory...but wondering if I

should

> not have put my business name in my signature until I had secured some

sort

> of legal " hold " on the name?? I'm just wondering

if...somebody...could

> have seen it on some list (i belong to several), and thought " what a

great

> name! " , ....checked to see if the domain was taken...finding it

> available...and securing it for themselves.

>

> Oh, I feel so bad just thinking that, I mean, I suppose

....somebody...could

> have thought it up on their own, it's not such an uncommon theme, you

know.

> Botanical....plants and herbs and oils...and all that, plus aromatics,

very

> common term used in the AT world.

>

> I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name of the organization

> that bought the domain name of Botanicalaromatics.com sounded familiar to

> me. So I checked my files and found the catalog. It's an eo

supplier,

> but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics. I never bought

> anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth several times, because her

> website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was partially set up,

and

> she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I needed prices.

She

> kept saying next month, next month, everything will be up and running,

but

> it never was, finally she sent me a catalog with a nice cover letter,

> offering a 10% discount on my first purchase. I never did make that

> purchase, but my e-mails to her had my sig line in them and all....so,

you

> know, just wondering here.

>

> What does anybody think? Am I making incorrect assumptions? Should I

> have secured the name before publicly posting it on lists? I feel really

> bad about this whole thing, for several reasons, of course. Losing my

> name possibly, thinking bad thoughts about another individual...

>

> Opinions?

>

>

>

> Christy

>

> _______________

> Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee®

> Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963

>

>

>

>

> Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves:

http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html

>

> To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link:

/join

>

[Guest guest]

I am sorry this happened to you.

There are many folks who will buy up domain names hoping

it will be important enough for you to pay them to buy it back from them

at a profit.

There are a lot of sleazy folks on the net.

It would be nice to think of the world as all light, airy-faeries,

wishing you all the best and such, but it just ain't so.

 

Making Light of Scents,

Janet Golden-Hogan

 

http://www.GoldenEssence.com

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hi Christy

 

I'm so sorry this has happened to you but it might be a lesson for other

members.

 

> I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name of the organization

> that bought the domain name of Botanicalaromatics.com sounded familiar to

> me.

 

Since you were able to find out who bought the domain name but it's not in

use yet would it be worth approaching the person directly?

 

So I checked my files and found the catalog. It's an eo supplier,

> but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics. I never bought

> anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth several times, because her

> website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was partially set up, and

> she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I needed prices.

 

Do you have your original emails from your first contact with her?

 

It mightn't stand up in court but you never know, if you give her the facts

including the fact that she registered the domain name very soon after you

began the practice of including it as your sig line she may decide against

using it.

 

Especially if you happen to mention that such an unethical practice would be

distributed widely amongst the aromatherapy community via a mailing list

with hundreds of members.

 

I just looked at the domain name and there's no website there yet, so if

she's been sitting on it since February she may reconsider if it's not her

business name either.

 

This isn't from a legal point of view but more as some kind of leverage you

might have to appeal to her business instincts.

 

Good luck and please let us know if you are able to resolve the situation.

 

Vicki

[Guest guest]

How does one go about securing a business name?

 

thanks,

margi

 

Vicki Younger wrote:

 

> Hi Christy

>

> I'm so sorry this has happened to you but it might be a lesson for other

> members.

>

> > I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name of the organization

> > that bought the domain name of Botanicalaromatics.com sounded

> familiar to

> > me.

>

> Since you were able to find out who bought the domain name but it's not in

> use yet would it be worth approaching the person directly?

>

> So I checked my files and found the catalog. It's an eo supplier,

> > but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics. I never bought

> > anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth several times,

> because her

> > website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was partially set

> up, and

> > she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I needed prices.

>

> Do you have your original emails from your first contact with her?

>

> It mightn't stand up in court but you never know, if you give her the

> facts

> including the fact that she registered the domain name very soon after you

> began the practice of including it as your sig line she may decide against

> using it.

>

> Especially if you happen to mention that such an unethical practice

> would be

> distributed widely amongst the aromatherapy community via a mailing list

> with hundreds of members.

>

> I just looked at the domain name and there's no website there yet, so if

> she's been sitting on it since February she may reconsider if it's not her

> business name either.

>

> This isn't from a legal point of view but more as some kind of

> leverage you

> might have to appeal to her business instincts.

>

> Good luck and please let us know if you are able to resolve the situation.

>

> Vicki

>

>

>

> Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves:

> http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html

>

> To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following

> link: /join

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Christy,

 

Sorry to hear of this, but alas, such things happen all the time. I

agree with Vicki. Since this woman hasn't built a site with that

URL, I would contact her and see if she intends to. If not, perhaps

she would release it. Otherwise, you may need to release any

attachment you had to that name, and trust that there is another

even better one just waiting for you to discover.

 

My husband and I have purchased many URL's only to let them sit and

expire. Or, we'll use them temporarily for a special event, and then

not again.

 

If someone was malicious about this and intentionally took your URL,

trust that she will face the consequences of her out of integrity

choices. Experiences like this always provide an opportunity for

growth. Trust that is all just as it should be, and look for the

lessons.

 

Think good thoughts!

Michelle

 

PS - Much luck with your business!

[Guest guest]

Christy -

 

Amazing what you can find on the web. Is this the person???

 

All of the info, exact name of administrator of the website and phone numbers

was pulled up on the website where I searched the Who Is record. I just don't

want to post it here for all the world to see should that be an issue.

 

go to http://lookup.ws/whois.php

 

Dale

 

 

Registrar: NAMESDIRECT

Domain Name: BOTANICALAROMATICS.COM

Created on: 04-FEB-04

Expires on: 04-FEB-05

Last Updated on: 04-FEB-04

 

Administrative, Technical Contact:

xxxxxx

essential essence

xxxxx

hayward, ca 94541

US

xxxxx

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

That's why I posted the link here with the comment 'amazing what you can find on

the web...'

 

I hope others will rethink theirs if they think it is necessary. I just don't

know what the legal ramifications may be for falsifying your information.

 

I'm glad Christy told her story. Just when you think you've checked and

double-checked and triple-checked yourself something else pops up.

 

Dale

-

Carol Pearce

 

 

This is a cool site, kinda scary though, I looked up my domain and all my

info is on there, I need to make some changes, too much of my personal info

for my taste.

 

Carol

 

 

[Guest guest]

For a fee you can make all your info private. I have my PO Box address on

there and my cell phone number. At least that would make it a little bit

harder to track down than having my physical address in there.

 

This is where the majority of spammers get your info to send you all those

wonderful emails!!

 

HTH,

 

Nikie Brown

After The Rayne - Handmade Soaps & Toiletries

http://www.aftertherayne.com <http://www.aftertherayne.com/>

nbrown

936-203-3188

 

 

Carol Pearce [cjpearce]

Monday, November 08, 2004 11:30 AM

 

Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

This is a cool site, kinda scary though, I looked up my domain and all my

info is on there, I need to make some changes, too much of my personal info

for my taste.

 

Carol

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

I'm gonna jump in here ... say something a little controversial; and that is

.... If you're gonna have a business, act like a business. Even if it's in

your home. Once the web site is published, you should be posting contact

information ... address, phone number, email. If personal and business info

cross paths ... do something about it as part of the business setup. Get a

PO Box for the mailing address; get a separate phone number for business

calling. It's no different than correctly labeling your products with

manufacturer information.

 

When registering your domain name, pay for the private listing if you're not

ready with business info. There are statements in the registration agreement

where you agree to not provide false information.

 

It's so important for small business owners to not think " small " . Your

business plan and budget should allow for these other items. Once you put a

web site " out there " ... it's your place of business and people expect some

amount of professionalism. Think about how that business phone is answered

too. A few weeks ago I called a contact number that was listed on a web

site. I could tell it was a small/home-based business ... that's OK; that's

the type of business I choose to support when possible. But the answering

message was Mom and the kids laughing & being silly ... A total turn-off to

me.

 

Sorry this turned into such a rant ... of course all of this is JMHO ...

Linda Wallen

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

 

Great reminders Linda. Here's another perspective on changing your

contact numbers in the " who is " directory to discourage spammers

and " protect " yourself. You may be doing more harm than good!

 

Yes, spammers access this information, but so do legitimate business

people. Savvy networkers will use this to find strategic partners,

linking prospects for business building, and contacting you to do

business with you.

 

So, if you are operating a business, you may want to think twice

about giving false contact information. Don't want to " throw the

baby out with the bathwater " !

 

Another humble opinion,

Michelle

www.holisticmenopause.com

[Guest guest]

I agree with Linda although I didn't voice it as strongly with my posts - just

me being subtle. It is all about professionalism and about legalities. I

personally choose to leave my information as correct. I will deal with

spammers and others. No problem. It's part and parcel of doing business.

 

Dale

-

Dale Bernucca

 

I hope others will rethink theirs if they think it is necessary. I just don't

know what the legal ramifications may be for falsifying your information.

 

 

[Guest guest]

This is a cool site, kinda scary though, I looked up my domain and all my

info is on there, I need to make some changes, too much of my personal info

for my taste.

 

Carol

-

" Dale Bernucca " <dbernucca

 

Monday, November 08, 2004 6:25 AM

Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

>

> Christy -

>

> Amazing what you can find on the web. Is this the person???

>

> All of the info, exact name of administrator of the website and phone

numbers was pulled up on the website where I searched the Who Is record. I

just don't want to post it here for all the world to see should that be an

issue.

>

> go to http://lookup.ws/whois.php

>

> Dale

>

>

> Registrar: NAMESDIRECT

> Domain Name: BOTANICALAROMATICS.COM

> Created on: 04-FEB-04

> Expires on: 04-FEB-05

> Last Updated on: 04-FEB-04

>

> Administrative, Technical Contact:

> xxxxxx

> essential essence

> xxxxx

> hayward, ca 94541

> US

> xxxxx

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, I'll get right on that..

Carol

-

" Nikie Brown - After The Rayne " <nbrown

 

Monday, November 08, 2004 6:41 AM

RE: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

>

> For a fee you can make all your info private. I have my PO Box address on

> there and my cell phone number. At least that would make it a little bit

> harder to track down than having my physical address in there.

>

> This is where the majority of spammers get your info to send you all those

> wonderful emails!!

>

> HTH,

>

> Nikie Brown

> After The Rayne - Handmade Soaps & Toiletries

> http://www.aftertherayne.com <http://www.aftertherayne.com/>

> nbrown

> 936-203-3188

>

>

> Carol Pearce [cjpearce]

> Monday, November 08, 2004 11:30 AM

>

> Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

>

>

> This is a cool site, kinda scary though, I looked up my domain and all my

> info is on there, I need to make some changes, too much of my personal

info

> for my taste.

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I went in and renewed my domain name, was up for renewal in the next few

months anyway, I also chnaged the address to a phoney one, along with my

phone number, and I changed the email to my domain email addy...

Thanks all for the lesson, scary stuff..

 

Carol

-

" Nikie Brown - After The Rayne " <nbrown

 

Monday, November 08, 2004 6:41 AM

RE: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

>

> For a fee you can make all your info private. I have my PO Box address on

> there and my cell phone number. At least that would make it a little bit

> harder to track down than having my physical address in there.

>

> This is where the majority of spammers get your info to send you all those

> wonderful emails!!

>

> HTH,

>

> Nikie Brown

> After The Rayne - Handmade Soaps & Toiletries

> http://www.aftertherayne.com <http://www.aftertherayne.com/>

> nbrown

> 936-203-3188

>

>

> Carol Pearce [cjpearce]

> Monday, November 08, 2004 11:30 AM

>

> Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

>

>

> This is a cool site, kinda scary though, I looked up my domain and all my

> info is on there, I need to make some changes, too much of my personal

info

> for my taste.

>

> Carol

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm registered with the Ontario government, and an in the " pending ' for a

trade mark, takes about 6 months or so...

 

Carol

-

" margi " <oaksong

 

Sunday, November 07, 2004 10:38 PM

Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

>

>

> How does one go about securing a business name?

>

> thanks,

> margi

>

> Vicki Younger wrote:

>

> > Hi Christy

> >

> > I'm so sorry this has happened to you but it might be a lesson for other

> > members.

> >

> > > I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name of the

organization

> > > that bought the domain name of Botanicalaromatics.com sounded

> > familiar to

> > > me.

> >

> > Since you were able to find out who bought the domain name but it's not

in

> > use yet would it be worth approaching the person directly?

> >

> > So I checked my files and found the catalog. It's an eo supplier,

> > > but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics. I never bought

> > > anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth several times,

> > because her

> > > website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was partially set

> > up, and

> > > she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I needed prices.

> >

> > Do you have your original emails from your first contact with her?

> >

> > It mightn't stand up in court but you never know, if you give her the

> > facts

> > including the fact that she registered the domain name very soon after

you

> > began the practice of including it as your sig line she may decide

against

> > using it.

> >

> > Especially if you happen to mention that such an unethical practice

> > would be

> > distributed widely amongst the aromatherapy community via a mailing list

> > with hundreds of members.

> >

> > I just looked at the domain name and there's no website there yet, so if

> > she's been sitting on it since February she may reconsider if it's not

her

> > business name either.

> >

> > This isn't from a legal point of view but more as some kind of

> > leverage you

> > might have to appeal to her business instincts.

> >

> > Good luck and please let us know if you are able to resolve the

situation.

> >

> > Vicki

> >

> >

> >

> > Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves:

> > http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html

> >

> > To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following

> > link: /join

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I went to the county clerk's office and filed for a DBA permit (permit to Do

Business As). But I'm in Michigan. Not sure what you need to do in other states.

Paula ........in Michigan

Coming soon Farm Fresh Soaps & Candles

 

 

-

margi

Monday, November 08, 2004 1:38 AM

Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

 

 

How does one go about securing a business name?

 

thanks,

margi

 

Vicki Younger wrote:

 

> Hi Christy

>

> I'm so sorry this has happened to you but it might be a lesson for other

> members.

>

> > I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name of the organization

> > that bought the domain name of Botanicalaromatics.com sounded

> familiar to

> > me.

>

> Since you were able to find out who bought the domain name but it's not in

> use yet would it be worth approaching the person directly?

>

> So I checked my files and found the catalog. It's an eo supplier,

> > but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics. I never bought

> > anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth several times,

> because her

> > website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was partially set

> up, and

> > she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I needed prices.

>

> Do you have your original emails from your first contact with her?

>

> It mightn't stand up in court but you never know, if you give her the

> facts

> including the fact that she registered the domain name very soon after you

> began the practice of including it as your sig line she may decide against

> using it.

>

> Especially if you happen to mention that such an unethical practice

> would be

> distributed widely amongst the aromatherapy community via a mailing list

> with hundreds of members.

>

> I just looked at the domain name and there's no website there yet, so if

> she's been sitting on it since February she may reconsider if it's not her

> business name either.

>

> This isn't from a legal point of view but more as some kind of

> leverage you

> might have to appeal to her business instincts.

>

> Good luck and please let us know if you are able to resolve the situation.

>

> Vicki

>

>

>

> Step By Step Instructions On Making Rose Petal Preserves:

> http://www.av-at.com/stuff/rosejam.html

>

> To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following

> link: /join

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thought I would throw my 2 cents worth in too. I use to have a home based

business and when I had people show up at my front door I went to Mail Box etc

and got a box -- they actually started going there, drove the guy that owned it

nuts.

 

Here's a scary thing to do, go to google and put your phone number in the search

line 555-555-5555 and see what come up, may be your name -- then you can go to

map quest and find out how to get to your house. you can take it off. If your

are listed in anyone else's on line publication, your name and number will also

come up. I was on one and some how it got messed up and if you looked up " bio

identical hormones " and my town, there was my name and phone number. I found

this out when when the calls started coming in.

 

When I was single (back before DSL's and cable) I had a second line for the

computer and had voice mail put on it -- that was the only number that I gave

out except to my close friends and family.

 

Carol your right about to much info being out there and how easy it is to get

it.

 

I don't have the answers

Rita

 

Carol Pearce <cjpearce wrote:

Thanks for all the comments, I have decided to leave the changed info as

is...I work for a major bank, and it is my job to deal with all the customer

problems, Identity theft and such.

 

I personally don't like to have my personal business posted all over the

web, I did change my email to my domain email addy, so I can still be

contacted. We had a case here last week, where a woman recieved a

pre-authorized visa application for her home business, and it was stolen

from her mail box.

 

She had no idea until she recieved a demand for payment for $15,000 in

purchases. My address on my site remains true, and my contact info also...

all I'm doing here is reducing the amount of info on me available to the

web.

 

I owe my domain for the next 5 years, that is all the person looking for the

name needs to know in my humble opinion. Like previously stated, why have it

there for all the junk to come through on..

 

Just my 2 cents and why I chose to do this, In my 20 years at the Bank, I

deal with an average on 3-5 frauds per month, and thats just my branch

alone, and I'm like a pitbull, when it comes to gathering the correct info,

lol

 

Anyway, just thought I'd explain, I did read all the posts and thought this

thing through.

 

Carol..

-

" Dale Bernucca " <dbernucca

 

Monday, November 08, 2004 9:11 AM

Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

>

> I agree with Linda although I didn't voice it as strongly with my posts -

just me being subtle. It is all about professionalism and about legalities.

I personally choose to leave my information as correct. I will deal with

spammers and others. No problem. It's part and parcel of doing business.

>

> Dale

> -

> Dale Bernucca

>

> I hope others will rethink theirs if they think it is necessary. I just

don't know what the legal ramifications may be for falsifying your

information.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the comments, I have decided to leave the changed info as

is...I work for a major bank, and it is my job to deal with all the customer

problems, Identity theft and such.

 

I personally don't like to have my personal business posted all over the

web, I did change my email to my domain email addy, so I can still be

contacted. We had a case here last week, where a woman recieved a

pre-authorized visa application for her home business, and it was stolen

from her mail box.

 

She had no idea until she recieved a demand for payment for $15,000 in

purchases. My address on my site remains true, and my contact info also...

all I'm doing here is reducing the amount of info on me available to the

web.

 

I owe my domain for the next 5 years, that is all the person looking for the

name needs to know in my humble opinion. Like previously stated, why have it

there for all the junk to come through on..

 

Just my 2 cents and why I chose to do this, In my 20 years at the Bank, I

deal with an average on 3-5 frauds per month, and thats just my branch

alone, and I'm like a pitbull, when it comes to gathering the correct info,

lol

 

Anyway, just thought I'd explain, I did read all the posts and thought this

thing through.

 

Carol..

-

" Dale Bernucca " <dbernucca

 

Monday, November 08, 2004 9:11 AM

Re: Business Name and registering Domain name

 

 

>

> I agree with Linda although I didn't voice it as strongly with my posts -

just me being subtle. It is all about professionalism and about legalities.

I personally choose to leave my information as correct. I will deal with

spammers and others. No problem. It's part and parcel of doing business.

>

> Dale

> -

> Dale Bernucca

>

> I hope others will rethink theirs if they think it is necessary. I just

don't know what the legal ramifications may be for falsifying your

information.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have read all the posts on this subject and I have a

few comments... see below (note most of what I am

going to say about names is USA specific. Although,

it might have some applicability to other countries

that have English Common Law as a basis of their laws,

like parts of Canada and Australia):

 

--- Christy Greenway <fufuno1 wrote:

After a

> recent post asking for advice

> on a business name, I followed a link to a " Network

> Solutions " website.

> (very useful, thank you whoever posted that!)

 

You're welcome. I am the one that posted that link.

There's a gazillion others that give the same info

too, that's just my preferred.

 

I

> had already decided on a

> name for my biz after my friend offered to sell my

> oils...Botanical

> Aromatics. I did some google searches when I first

> thought of it, and came

> up with nothing, so was hopeful it wasn't already

> " taken " . I had not

> applied for a business license, yet, though, but

> didn't think that much

> about my losing my Co. name.....

 

As you have found out, that's not good enough,

unfortunately. And that’s for domain names alone,

it’s not even close for corporate names, partnership

names, dba names, or trademarks.

 

>

> Well, on this Network Solutions website, I typed in

> botanicalaromatics.com....and guess what...it's

> taken! I couldn't believe

> it. guess I was being nieve, but I noticed the

> date when the applicant

> bought the domain name, and it was Feb 4, 2004.

> This was after I had come

> up with the name, and after I started posting it in

> my signature line. I'm

> wondering....without trying to sound

> accusatory...but wondering if I should

> not have put my business name in my signature until

> I had secured some sort

> of legal " hold " on the name??

 

Sorry in advance, I know this is going to sound cold,

but unfortunately, *of course* you should *not*

have disclosed your thinking on this very important

subject of a business name. Sound business tactics

should tell you to disclose as little as possible in a

business situation. Confidentiality agreements are

used by people doing business as a business for just

these reasons, but even they are no where good enough

as a breach has to be proved and then

enforced--expensive at best and usually not possible.

 

I'm just

> wondering if...somebody...could

> have seen it on some list (i belong to several), and

> thought " what a great

> name! " , ....checked to see if the domain was

> taken...finding it

> available...and securing it for themselves.

 

Sorry to say, nothing illegal about somebody doing

that. Nothing at all. I understand why you are sad

and upset, but there's nothing illegal about them

finding they liked a name they heard somewhere and

securing it for themselves if you had not protected it

previously.

 

Same will happen with corporate names and trademarks.

 

Corporate names are limited to the state, so

conceivably there could be 50 of the same name, one in

each different state. Of course trademarks are

national, so don’t think you can be Exxon, just

because you live in Wyoming and Exxon is a Delaware

Corporation (or wherever their corporate domicile is).

 

DBA does NOT protect your name, however, and I think

if someone registers the corporate name they can

insist you cease and desist from using the DBA if it's

the same, but that may vary from state to state. And

they have to go to the trouble of enforcing it.

 

Even if you own the corporate name and the trademark,

it would be difficult and expensive for you to enforce

someone not using that exact name as a domain name.

Usually only huge corporations are able to enforce

effectively. Now days when there’s only one domain

name available with the “.com” ending, it’s probably

most important to secure your domain name first, but

only after checking to see if the corporate name and

if you’re interested, the trademark, are available and

beginning to secure those too. Alternatively, use a

different suffix, like .biz, .us, .org, etc.

 

Recently, in my day job, I ran into the situation

where the name of a new multi-million dollar oil

company was decided upon by what domain name was

available. Bet they didn’t tell anyone before they

spent $35 to secure it, huh?

 

>

> Oh, I feel so bad just thinking that, I mean, I

> suppose ...somebody...could

> have thought it up on their own, it's not such an

> uncommon theme, you know.

> Botanical....plants and herbs and oils...and all

> that, plus aromatics, very

> common term used in the AT world.

>

> I mean, I wouldn't be thinking this, except the name

> of the organization

> that bought the domain name of

> Botanicalaromatics.com sounded familiar to

> me. So I checked my files and found the catalog.

> It's an eo supplier,

> but her business name is not Botanical Aromatics.

> I never bought

> anything from her, but e-mailed back and forth

> several times, because her

> website was not set up for purchases yet, but it was

> partially set up, and

> she had oils listed I might be interested in, but I

> needed prices. She

> kept saying next month, next month, everything will

> be up and running, but

> it never was, finally she sent me a catalog with a

> nice cover letter,

> offering a 10% discount on my first purchase. I

> never did make that

> purchase, but my e-mails to her had my sig line in

> them and all....so, you

> know, just wondering here.

>

> What does anybody think? Am I making incorrect

> assumptions?

 

Unfortunately it doesn’t matter either way.

 

> Should I

> have secured the name before publicly posting it on

> lists?

 

ABSOLUTELY!

 

> I feel really

> bad about this whole thing, for several reasons, of

> course. Losing my

> name possibly, thinking bad thoughts about another

> individual...

>

> Opinions?

 

Well, this was a painful lesson for you. Let’s hope

you and others can now learn from your experience.

And remember if you had kept your name confidential,

you would not have to wonder if somebody “stole” your

idea, if in fact that did happen, as you point out,

that’s not exactly the most original name in this AT

industry.

 

At least you didn’t get to the point of registering

the corporate name, getting lots of stuff printed up,

signs made, yellow pages ads bought etc.

 

One point that nobody has mentioned is that there’s a

service available with the domain registrars that

allows one to pay to be the owner if the original

owner fails to renew on time. So, even if you own a

domain name, if you’re late renewing you could lose

it.

 

I must admit that situations like this really press my

“hot” button in that I have great compassion for the

person who is surprised by a similar situation, in

this case Christy, but I also rail against the

Universe for allowing folks to be so naïve. You must

protect yourself and your ideas. Simple silence would

do the trick in this case, as in many cases. If you

must trust, then have the correct agreements in place

IN WRITING. There’s an old Oklahoma saying: “Good

fences make good neighbors.”

 

Christina Schultz, L.Ac.