Here’s a story to brighten your Monday: Brightmove, the property website that fell foul of Rightmove, is up for sale.
Founder John Osborn said he expects to conclude a deal within the next week.
He says he expects it to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000 although EAT understands that an offer on the table is for less.
The maverick Osborn – an estate agent in Dorset – has always claimed that Brightmove came along before Rightmove in 2000.
Rightmove subsequently challenged the use of Brightmove’s statement that it was the ‘number one internet property website’. Osborn changed the claim to ‘the future number one internet property website’.
Rightmove also challenged Osborn’s slogan: “Make your move the right move with Brightmove”.
Osborn retaliated by writing to the OFT, complaining that Rightmove was passing itself off as Brightmove. However, the OFT would not get involved.
Osborn, who is also a part-time disc jockey, recently said he would be making a television advert for Brightmove, which would feature estate agents in an exotic location: some would appear as sharks, but others as colourful fish.
Osborn told Estate Agent Today that he genuinely feels Brightmove has a future with a new owner with greater resources.
“A deal has not yet been signed and I’m willing to talk to other parties who may be interested,” he said.
He can be emailed at sales@osbornes.co.uk
We promised him we’d pass it on.
Comments
I would pay a couple of quid for the domain. Slogan and branding really aren't worth a penny. Rightmove are going to be on your case until the site is offline so no point wasting your money on a portal. If anyone does pay £25-£30K then you made a really bright move!?! This Osborn sounds a bit like David Brent.
"Part time Disc Jockey" I can just picture him, the poor bloke doesnt stand a chance!!
Mr Osborn has to be the most dillusional man I have ever heard of. Fair plays to him, we have all heard of his site but I think he is quite clearly loopy.
I would want to be paid £30k for taking it.
Hold on to your £30k.
For the first time....second time.....third and last time are we all done....Going Going Going Gone!
How much would it cost to set up a portal to the same standard as brightmove's is it more than £30k, then again you have to take in to account the brand name etc!
So many cruel jokes, so little time. 25 - 30k!! for what???