Is it legal to use a product name in your domain?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Starlet22, Feb 19, 2008.

  1. #1
    I was wondering if it's legal to use a product name in your domain without asking the owner. For example "www.iphotoshop.com", would I need permission to us Photoshop? Especially when they are/were? touchy about it being used as a verb? Does anyone know?
     
    Starlet22, Feb 19, 2008 IP
  2. eddy2099

    eddy2099 Peon

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    #2
    If it is trademarked then you probably face problems in the near future when you get popular. It is really not worth the while.
     
    eddy2099, Feb 19, 2008 IP
  3. RonRipple

    RonRipple Peon

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    #3
    so a website domain with the word Nascar is a big no no?
     
    RonRipple, Feb 21, 2008 IP
  4. TechEvangelist

    TechEvangelist Guest

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    #4
    You will never get permission from Adobe to use their trademark in a domain name.

    If they find the site, you will very likely get a nasty message from their attorneys.

    It is not a good idea to use any trademarked name in a domain name, but it all depends upon whether or not the trademark owner decides to pursue you. You probably won't win the battle if they do.

    I once got a message from Sony's attorneys demanding that I remove a Sony product from one of my Amazon sites because the image and model name in the page URL infringed on their copyrights and trademarks. Once I pointed out that it was an Amazon affiliate site and I was authorized to use the images and information through Amazon, they backed off. Some companies are much more aggressive at protecting their trademarks and brands than others.
     
    TechEvangelist, Feb 21, 2008 IP
  5. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #5
    I think that you can use it as long as it's not in the same industry. So, if "iphotoshop.com" were a site about pouring concrete, it should be fine.
     
    Pixelrage, Feb 21, 2008 IP
  6. Dreads

    Dreads Well-Known Member

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    #6
    iphotoshop is different from photoshop.. yet if the site has to do with anything related to the actual photoshop(TM)
    then you might get into trouble. But some companies dont mind if you are like helping them.. yet if you are trash talking about it on the site then you got problems
     
    Dreads, Feb 21, 2008 IP
  7. Starlet22

    Starlet22 Peon

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    #7
    :confused: Hm... Well is there an alternative and short word(s) for saying you "photoshoped" something? "I digitaly alter pictures.com" isn't very catchy. Any ideas?
     
    Starlet22, Feb 22, 2008 IP
  8. ipodfrik

    ipodfrik Peon

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    #8
    if you do something life photoshopfans.tld or similar to that, there is no harm, I guess,
    cause it shows the website as a community of that product's users
     
    ipodfrik, Feb 22, 2008 IP