X Is Reportedly Selling Inactive Usernames for $50k

Re:X Is Reportedly Selling Inactive Usernames for $50k by abenga on Sunday November 05, 2023 @11:36PM (#38158904)

Selling someone's trademark to just anyone sounds like extortion with extra steps. "Give us money or we will allow your competition or scammers to use your name to say gods-know-what on our platform."

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:X Is Reportedly Selling Inactive Usernames for $50k by WheelsAtLarge on Monday November 06, 2023 @12:22AM (#38159162)

Companies have to pay for their trademarks and domains to maintain them on all the areas where they want them protected. They aren't free so there's nothing new there.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:X Is Reportedly Selling Inactive Usernames for $50k by true_religion on Monday November 06, 2023 @03:08AM (#38159946)

If they actually let that happen, then they would be sued, wouldn’t they?

It would be fine if they charged a flat rate universally like domain names but the moment they determine trademarked names are more valuable, they open themselves up to civil suits.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:X Is Reportedly Selling Inactive Usernames for $50k by cushpush on Monday November 06, 2023 @12:54PM (#38166019)

trademark does not give you a cubby with your name on it at every company that could possibly exist, but in the age of the 'net maybe something like this makes sense?

[ Parent | on HN ]