I have registered domain names for an upcoming release of a product. The release has been known for quite some time and surprisingly, the domains were available. I would like to know if there are certain domains that are illegal, if I'm planning to offer a service related to the products trademarked name.
2006-12-03 13:28:56 · 4 answers · asked by wesleydumont 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
what if i'm not using something like ipod.com but something like ipodservicecenter, ipod magazine, or ipoddrives.com(s)
now, if they've trade marked ipod musical cinema - can i get ipodmusicalcinema.com ?
2006-12-03 16:46:03 · update #1
The domains you are talking about still contain Apple's trademark, iPod, so it'd be my guess that you'd have a hard time holding on to those domains. Large corporations take their intellectual property quite seriously. I suggest contacting a trademark attorney before moving ahead with your plans.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-12-04 10:59:11 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no such thing as a domain name being "illegal" or not, unless the technical authorities finally decide such (which isn't any time soon). What matters is the INTENDED USAGE behind it/them.
If:
1. You registered those domain names with the intent to somehow get a free ride on someone's trademark rights, and:
2. Your intended use of the domain name is somehow similar, related, or associated in any way to that of a trademark, especially if it bears any hint of commercial use,
Then expect trouble. More so if the potential trademark holder has deep pockets to enforce and protect their trademark rights.
2006-12-04 17:59:11 · answer #2 · answered by Dave Zan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If a domain is available for purchase then it is yours for the taking. You can have a domain ipodsuks.com as long as it isn't taken. Fact is most companies have policies for this sort of thing and they buy all the domains that could possibly be registered that might be useful or harmful at some point.
2015-05-17 07:37:58 · answer #3 · answered by K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the trademark was registered first before your domains, then you are liable and its considered domain squatting. for example, if you registered ipod.com after apple got the trademark, you would be sued and lose.
2006-12-03 14:34:05 · answer #4 · answered by jasontogs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋