A few things really make this thread a big deal or not. 1) if the poster plans on generating revenue and 2) if they plan on posting images of the contestants. Either of which IMO would give AI grounds to take legal action if they want. Take it from a person who registered the domain names of a few popular Survivor contestants. It doesn't feel too good when CBS (or FOX in this case) sends you an email and certified letter telling you they will sue you if you don't relinquish the right to the names. Perhaps if I didn't use images of her from their site and put AdSense all over it might have made a difference.
Hmmm...well, I'm not sure about images but I would definitely put ads on the site to help pay for it....I'm think of fan-type forums for one of these domains, mostly because my daughter wants to do it. But I'll be ding-danged if I will pay for folks yaking about AI without finding a means for it to at least pay for itself....
Sounds like the "Gong Show"... Good thing I do not watch network TV... Except for "DH" that is Sounds like I am not missing much.
It's very doubfull you would ever get sued for this type of issue. Most likely just a cease and desist email, and if you complied the issue would be over.
I remember when "Survivor" was that popular. Passing fad... In any event, "Survivor" did not own the "Suvivor" domain. Some average Joe did. He did not have to give it up, and they did not sue him. I really would not worry about it. Besides, my guess is your site will be around long after "American Idol" is a thing of the past...
ANy news about CANADIANIDOL.COM ? I heard the guy who owns actually bought the name before there was even a show.. . i wonder if the same situation will happen over in canada... He hasnst used it... but apparently he had over 2 mil hits in the first season on CANADIANIDOL.COM Thats more than the network at CTV.CA
Here's the thing that I've found to be true about these TV show sites: As long as your site is a "celebration" of them, they'll never bother you, because in Hollywood, the golden rule is that "Any publicity is good publicity, but good publicity is even better". If Hollywood went around suing eveyrone who uses their trademark, all the movie sites would go out of business in a heartbeat. Plus, all those fan sites. Most of them make money nowadays (including all those American Idol sites), and they're still around, because no one has ever sued them, because why would you sue people who are devoted to talking about how great your show is or how great you are? That's the kind of word of mouth and devotion you can't buy.
Someone owns it. Registered through network solutions Domain Name: CANADIANIDOL.COM Administrative Contact , Technical Contact : Goudreau, Mr. R. 2663 - please use email - Laval, Quebec h3b2b8 CA Phone: (418) 227-9888 Fax: (418) 227-9888 I find the fact that it is registered IN CANADA. To be slight proof. But if you want more e-mail him. I'd rather not bug the poor guy.
I know it is registered. I was just curious how a site that does not exist (not the domain name) can get 2 million hits
i sent the guy a quick email... the site was apparently up in the beginning for a couple of months, whats impressive is that he actually registered it before there was even a press release for the show... he sent me proof.. his plans for the site were different from the show.. when the show started 6 months later.. he felt overun and took it down.. In my oppinion.. then the Canadian network / american partner is the one that caused the similarities.. thats my oppinion... a kind reverse "idea" hyjacking on the part of the Canadian network / american partner .. i dont know.. its a very interesting case.. sounds typical of a big media companies tactics...
i hope it works out for the canadianidol.com guy.... good thing he didnt use it ... .. or tarnish it.. traffic is a sure thing with this one. he sure bought it at the right time... smart man !!