Domain naming legal issues

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by skiper, Mar 7, 2006.

  1. #1
    for example
    y company owns domainname.com
    can i buy a domainname.net ? if it is not taken

    Im planning to buy a ????.net domain name but
    is it legal to buy it . even though ????.com is already taken
     
    skiper, Mar 7, 2006 IP
  2. el presidente

    el presidente Guest

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    #2
    I've got almost the same question. Let's say that detroitmichigan.gov is taken as a government owned website. Can I take detroitmichigan.com if it's not already taken?
     
    el presidente, Mar 8, 2006 IP
  3. websiteideas

    websiteideas Well-Known Member

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    #3
    You need to check if the name is a registered trademark
     
    websiteideas, Mar 8, 2006 IP
  4. Skinny

    Skinny Peon

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    #4
    Okay I have a question about trademarks.

    I read somewhere that you can stick the TM symbol above a term you wish to be trademarked which signifies you are in the process of getting it registered. That doesn't hold up better than a R in court though.

    Correct?

    Skinny
     
    Skinny, Mar 8, 2006 IP
  5. PC101

    PC101 Peon

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    #5
    RE: City/Town/State names... according to some court rulings (I'll find the links if I really have to! :) ) people are allowed to identify the geographical location of their business. For example, I can have... dallasautoparts.com and the City of Dallas can't take it from me.

    RE: Buy the .net (or other) of a company owned .com... that depends on the name really! If it's a made up name (Google, I think is made up... not a proper common name like books, cars, camping, etc.) and you buy the .net then you could be in trouble! If however the .com was like... Windows.com and it was for a software company then you CAN buy Windows.net and use it to sell windows... bikes... pool cues... whatever! :) If you use it for the same/similar product or service as the .com and they owned the TM first... that's when you get in trouble.

    Generally speaking... you get in trouble for similar names when the company with the TM can prove that you are creating confusion for the consumer. You are somehow making your .net company to appear to be the same or similar as the .com company.

    Hope that helps. :)

    Lyte
     
    PC101, Mar 8, 2006 IP
  6. skiper

    skiper Peon

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    #6
    Ok I think thats answer my question...

    Thanks
     
    skiper, Mar 8, 2006 IP
  7. PC101

    PC101 Peon

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    #7
    You're welcome. :)

    Lyte
     
    PC101, Mar 8, 2006 IP