My guess is that the site you used to do your domain searches had something to do with that. Do your searches at www.godaddy.com. They’re a very reputable company and they have such vast levels of traffic that even if they wanted to register all of the domains that people search for, they wouldn’t have the infrastructure to support such an undertaking.

There’s a really long story as to how domain squatters can pull off tricks like this but the short version of it is that they will only hold on to the domain for 30-60 days because they buy the domains on an account with a major domain registrar. When their terms come up in 30-60 days, rather than paying the bill, they let the domain expire. If they really want it, they can have another shell company pick it up but it’s probably not worth their effort.

So, two lessons: 1) use www.godaddy.com to search for your domains – don’t use Google to search for them (that search data is public info) or a noname domain registrar, 2) check back periodically to see if the domain becomes available.

Oh, and whatever you do, don’t reply to their messages to you. They’re criminals and even if they did give you the domain after you paid for it, would you really want them to have your payment information or let them know that you’re interested?

Thank you so much Matt! I will wait a little bit and keep going!

Great advice Matt… This is exactly what one should do in such a situation. Couldn’t add anything to it. ;)

http://www.honeybearplayhomes.com/

Mr. Ed that is a fancy website! Did you do that yourself or is that GoDaddy?

Matt, Mr.Ed and everyone, a further inquiry:

Is it possible that I risked future branding simply by searching in the early stages of product development on Google Patents? USPTO? as well as Google shopping, Yahoo shopping, Bing and other search engines? I was not specifically looking for a domain name, I was checking to see if there were products out there already similar in concept AND in name. What are your opinions on this. Is often this defeating to make any move? (I will not be discouraged..)

You should be in the clear on those other searches. The only reason those domain scammers can automate what they do is that they have the ability to float their domain registration order for a couple of months before they have to pay. You can’t do that with the USPTO, which handles both patents and trademarks.

Thanks and yes I did it myself with Yola.com a free in your browser website builder. I started with a blank canvas and created all the banners, repeating background, mouse overs and images. Was a fun experience to say the least and I cannot wait for the economy to return to some sense of normalcy and people start buying luxury items once more.

That’s a great question and now that you asked it I will have to create a thread on the subject as it can help inform others as well… Searching any type of engine for your idea can be a double edged sword in that you get to find out if there is something similar on the market already (if you don’t find anything then good) but if on the other hand if you are so clear as to basically spell out your idea feature by feature then if you were to click through to that company/individual’s website in their analytical reports it could give them a chance to clue in on your idea/concept. For those who monitor their keywords/phrases to better their website search-ability this can be a boon and they send that info to their R&D to research a possible product that does what you were looking for. I want you to bear in mind that not every website does this but the ability is there. (I personally do this for my website every month)

For example if you were to search for “kids playhouse with built in dry erase walls” in Google you will see my Honey Bear Playhomes website first then if you were to click on one of the other playhouse company links on the page of results the webmaster of the other website could see your choice of words in their analytic report and say “Hey that’s a great idea let’s do that too“. Truth be told it simply is good business for them to do so as it helps their company. The same goes for your idea. The website that you click through to can take your keywords, fit the puzzle together and come up with a product that does exactly what you were searching for. Good for them but bad for you…

To reduce your chances of getting your idea taken I would use a work around:

1) Use the search engine of your choice
2) When you find a link (website) that you wish to check simply right click on the link and click “Copy link location”
3) Open a new tab or window
4) Right click in the address bar and click “Paste”
5) Click “Enter”

This will make it appear to their analytic program that you came to them without any referral and you won’t have to give your keywords/phrases to them. It’s simply the safe way to search for your idea on the web…

Google patents is quite a bit safer in that you are not searching through websites and giving those keywords away.

Searching for a name is perfectly fine as it is the only way that you will find out if there is another out there… ;)

Sorry Matt didn’t see your post until after I hit post myself. Don’t want to seem like I was contradicting yours in the least. ;) Your info is spot on as well in regards to domains…

Thanks for the info. I am currently sitting on a domain name with godaddy.com. I will look into Yola.com to see if I can so something myself.

Some info on Yola in this thread

Thanks everyone! I am checking out both Yola and GoDaddy. I noticed on Yola that I can select a blank format. With that, I could upload a page that I already have, such as a sell sheet with logo, and then add mouse rollover to tech info. And so much more…

Imagemaps are great… I love them… I’ve taught countless others how to make them through the forums at Yola. My vertical honeycomb menu with the bear face is an imagemap with dozens of images which change when moused over. Additionally, the talking animals on the bottom of the page is an imagemap as well. While mine may be a little over the top yours does not have to be.

To create an image map simply scroll down here to where it says “FREE Meracl ImageMap Generator” and you will find one of my step by step tutorials on how you can easily do one of your very own. (Look for Santa)

Additionally, here is an easy to use in your browser imagemap generator. I find either to work wonderfully… maschekonline imagemap generator

If you need any help with your site the Yola forums are a great place to find the answers quickly. I personally have a tips page that might help you along in your website building travels. Honey Bear Playhomes Tips and Favs in one place… A Honey bear Playhomes Tip ;)