I purchased the domain everythingiphone.com from a reseller back in April of last year and have been following the rumors ever since. Luckily for me, Apple actually announced the iPhone last week. I just started reading the stories about Apple going after domains with their "trademark" as a secondary name. Apple doesn't currently own or have rights to use iPhone, but I suspect that will change by the time the product is launched. They seem to have gone after many iPod sites and many have switched their site name and domain. It appears that some including everythingipod.com, simply changed their logo but retained their domain. They call their site Everything Network. For me, the domain is king. I plan on taking pro-active steps to avoid any legal issues with the folks from Cupertino. As soon as it's finished, I'll be changing the site logo to everything followed by an icon of the iPhone. I also have a disclaimer in place. I was curious if anyone had any further insight into what has happened in previous cases and steps I can take to prevent Apple from having an issue with my site and more importantly my domain. Thanks in advance.
I just interviewed an attorney about the iPhone trademark case. A lot would depend on whether your site is operating from somewhere that Apple (or Cisco) has a trademark. It may be that iPhone in the US is owned by Cisco and Apple has the trademark in Europe. Until they resolve the dispute then you are safe I expect.
It depends on for what purpose you use your websites, In this case because of use of ipod and the huge popoularity of it, you may face some problems but by putting disclaimer, u have kept urself little in safe. But, I suggest you not to take any risks.
I wouldn't worry about the iPhone trademark - apparently Apple don't own it themself! There's a court case going on at the moment between Apple and Cisco, who registered the iPhone name as a trademark years ago.
If you have registered your site earlier than Apple trademarked it, you are ok. they'll buy it, no lawsuits.
I purchased it in April of last year. It's been registered for awhile before then. I'm not looking to sell the domain, as I think it will be a successful site. I just want to do what I can to protect myself.
And what are you prepared to do if the OP does get sued? Do you seriously think only one condition is sufficient to prevent a potential problem like that? If you answer yes, then I suggest you do some further research. Your answer here isn't giving the OP the complete picture.
So after they spend a few million or so figuring out who does own it you think they'll just let every nickel and dime website use it? They'll be sending out C&Ds at an unheard of rate after spending all that cash to enforce their trademark.