New York registered CarPlay.com domain name in 2000.
Nearly 14 years ago New Yorker Thomas Fitzgibbon registered the domain name CarPlay.com.
“I just thought cars are going to be automated in the future, and we’re getting to the point where that’s happening today,” he explained to Domain Name Wire. “I figured people would be playing games in and around their cars.”
Fitzgibbon was surprised to wake up to the news last week that Apple was launching a new product called CarPlay. Apple CarPlay integrates the iPhone in the car’s built-in display.
Fitzgibbon isn’t a domain investor, but his company develops websites for clients. He has registered a handful of domain names over the years with plans for future use.
Will Apple’s use of the CarPlay name allow Fitzgibbon to cash in? He may be holding a winning lottery ticket, but Apple isn’t always willing to pay an unlimited amount for domain names. While it did acquire the iPhone.com domain name, it still doesn’t own iPad.com.
Elliot Silver says
If Apple wants it but won’t pay what the owner is asking, one issue is that another company might be reluctant to build a brand with the same name this.
Jonathan says
Build your own vertical of games, focus on your own game.
Alan says
It never surprises me with what domains a company buys………..What surprises me is what they don’t buy………..
Dino Pitt says
Looks like the Heritage auction just went live, some nice names, seem to be priced for wnd-users though (not domainers)
Martin says
digital.com is gorgeous. for 100k i will be bidding but doubt it will sell for that.
DR.DOMAIN says
Wish him well.Hope Apple cuts him a fat (drama free) check.
Joseph Peterson says
This is a good illustration of the diverse ownership of undeveloped domains.
Some people naturally assume that any registered but unused domain is in the hands of a domain speculator. Depending on their level of familiarity with the industry, they may negotiate with an “investor” or they may launch into a tirade against “cybersquatters”.
But the fact of the matter is that domains are held in reserve not only by domainers but by businesses large and small. Often, we tend to bookmark ideas for future projects by registering a domain name — as seems to be the case here.
Part of the value of CarPlay.com would be compensation to the owner for relinquishing his initial idea.
Jonathan says
quality comments JP
Tony says
CarPlay.com doesn’t mean anything. Just because the guy has it doesn’t mean Apple wants it. Apple is a joke.
Joseph Peterson says
Wish I could tell a joke like Apple!
Company Name Ideas says
“Fitzgibbon isn’t a domain investor…”, “with plans for future use.”
If you call yourself a domain investor you are putting yourself in a dangerous position for someone to legally snatch your domain. There have been some very disconcerting decisions against investors for non-use of the domain. We’re all developers with great ideas.
Joseph Peterson says
Resale of a domain is not the only form of investment in domains.
Money and time in … value (of various kinds) out … That’s true even for domains we intend to keep permanently.