One real-life example of a company having to pay a lot of money for a .com domain name that was registered before they were is the case of Facebook and the domain name fb.com.

In 2010, Facebook announced that it had acquired the domain name fb.com for an undisclosed amount. However, sources close to the deal reported that the social media giant had paid a whopping $8.5 million to acquire the domain name from the American Farm Bureau Federation, which had been using the domain name for its own website.

The reason Facebook was willing to pay such a high price for the domain name was because it was a crucial part of their branding strategy. At the time, the company was already using the shortened “fb” name internally, and wanted to make it easier for users to access the site by using the fb.com domain.

Despite the high price tag, the acquisition of fb.com was a smart move for Facebook. The domain name has become an integral part of the company’s brand and is now recognised worldwide.

This case shows the importance of securing the right domain name for your brand early on. While it may seem like a significant expense at the time, investing in a good domain name can pay dividends in the long run. Moreover, it is always advisable to work with a broker who can help you navigate the complex process of acquiring a domain name and negotiating the best deal for you.