“We’re F’d”: Dell

Dell registers some interesting domain names.

Either computer manufacturer Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) is making some defensive domain name registrations or it is getting ready to release a line of highly interactive computers. Reglike has discovered that the firm just registered a handful of its trademarks preceded by the f-bomb.

Among the domains Dell registered the prior week are:

fu–inspiron.com
fu–latitude.com
fu–poweredge.com
fu–precision.com
fu–vostro.com
fu–xps.com

Personally, I think the PowerEdge sounds like the most fulfilling, um, interactive product.

It’s not uncommon for firms to register derogatory domain names based on their trademarks. Typically this involves registering domains like DellSucks.com (not owned by Dell, by the way). But registering the 4 letter f-word in front of a domain is not as common. Typically, registration of such domains counting a trademark by unaffiliated parties is permitted by trademark law if the corresponding web site is used to criticize the firm.

Although it certainly appears these are defensive domain name registrations, Dell registered another domain name the prior week that may make computer geeks get a bit excited: LoveByDell.com.

Now we’re talking.