Here’s an amusing story.
So there’s a datebook application for PalmOS called DateBk. It’s the standard on Handspring devices.
The writer’s about to come out with a new version, DateBk4, when all of a sudden, he discovers that a competitor has bought up the domains DateBk4.com and DateBk5.com, plastering them with advertisements for their product.
Hilarity and backlash ensue.
Some lessons to be learned:
1. Trademark your products, if it matters to you. If it doesn’t, there’s only the court of public opinion to help you.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of the court of public opinion. It is, ultimately, your client if you want to sell anything.
3. Secure your domain names.
4. Be smart about your domain names. Don’t use a domain that changes with each release of your product, fergoshsakes.
5. See #2.