Hello all, I'd like to register a domain with the word 'msn' or 'messenger' in it. How could I know if these words are copyrighted or not? Thanx in advance.
"Messenger" certainly cannot be, as it's a standard dictionary word. "MSN" all depends on how you use the domain. If you register a domain with "MSNMessenger" in it, you may have problems. However, don't worry, the worst that will happen is that you may get a "cease and desist" order, at which point you should shut it down.
Thank you for the answer. I was thinking the same more or less, I'm just not that sure about a simple 'cease and desist' order and not something worst.
Stay well away from domains with any sort of trademarks and copyrights in, as people have had problems with them in the past. If it has a trademark in, the trademark owner is legally obliged to sieze the domain off you (under certain rules). But if you're just going for messenger that should be fine. And if you're making a fansite about MSN Messenger or something, that would probably be fine too, but if you're thinking of registering the domain to sell on, or demote the MSN Messenger brand, I personally wouldn't risk it.
I have gotten a Cease and Desist from Microsoft. But everyone needs to be clear that Microsoft does support and help many web sites that would normally infringe on their copyright. Think of this as a way for Microsoft to support their user communities without doing any work. They have lawyers looking for sites that abuse the copyright by advocating illegal activities (like downloading protected content for a Zune) or has crappy content that degrades the brand. So do this only if you are serious and plan to do a good job in a way that compliments Microsoft's business. Then they wont bother you; they may even help you - probably only if you end up with a lot of traffic.