Hello all, I have a quick one here. Is it legal for me to use a company name and sweepstake name to build a forum on? For example, the Coors Light Mystery Mansion sweepstake...would I be able to use the domain name coorslightmysterymansion.com? (this example is fictional but similar to my idea). Would this be illegal with adsence ads? Would I be able to run a forum off it with advertisements which are not subjective to the name "coors light"..for eg i'll have nintendo advertisements instead of beer? Thanks
You can't use trademarks in a domain name when you are attempting to ride the goodwill of the trademark holder. The example you gave would create consumer confusion and be trademark infringement - and a disclaimer wouldn't help.
Just as a general rule though, with domain names its best to totally steer clear of trademarks etc. However if you must use a trademarked domain. You can use it for non profit means say as a fan site like. AppleMacbookLovers.com or something like that would be fine... but Apple could still contest it and take it from you, but you are alot safer.
Thanks for the replies, While I have this thread open..might as well ask one more question. If you build an affiliate site to sell a specific product, can the product name be used in the domain name? For eg, say I want to sell the tobi steamer. can I use buy-tobisteamer.com as a domain name? Thanks
No, not without permission. Selling the product of the trademark holder makes proving infringement a given.