The Index / disputes
Disputes
No word can be disputed. A listing can.
The word is never the issue
Every word on this board is in the English dictionary, and a dictionary word belongs to nobody. If your company is named after one, you have the same path to the placement as everyone else: bid a dollar more than it stands at. A grocer holding apple is not a problem. Apple Inc. holding apple would not be a problem either. Nothing on this page is decided by who you are, and there is no complaint that removes a word from the board.
The listing is the only thing that can be reported
A listing must be the bidder's own. It may not present itself as a company or brand the bidder is not — not in its name, its logo, or its copy. Every bidder agrees to that before paying, and agrees that a listing which breaks it is removed without refund. That is impersonation, and anyone may report it: a rights holder, a visitor, or us.
What happens
| Situation | Outcome |
|---|---|
| The listing presents itself as a brand the bidder is not | Removed within one business day. The bidder's payment is not refunded — they broke the terms they accepted. The word reopens at $1. |
| The listing is the bidder's own product, on a word you also use as a name | Stands. Take the word from them on the same terms as anyone else. |
| You would like a word because it is your name | Bid. There is no other path, for anyone. |
Filing
Email contact@oust.ink with the word, the brand being impersonated, and what in the listing does it. We answer within one business day and publish the decision below, whichever way it goes.
Decisions
Every one we receive will be published here, upheld or refused.