i personally would not build another myspace style site i think the Internet has enough already, but there are an awful lot of sites that use the myspace name. i would say its a grey area and you need to make up your own mind to use it or not.
It wasnt his question, but it should be okay. It is 'publicity' for myspace and all. Just dont cause problems on the site for them.
First off its not a grey area, i may be new. But I know business. Its okay, your just stating your opinion
As long as you don't cyber-squat with it and your site is related to MySpace, I don't think they'll care.
well it is safe as they can not copyright a word they probably copyrighted "myspace a place for friends" etc but it is near impossible for them to sue you over that word alone
The issue isn't copyright, it's trademark, and yes if the name "Myspace" is trademarked they can go after you. Yup, the term Myspace trademarked. Here are just a few of the areas in which the Myspace trademark has been registered: It looks like companies other than Myspace Inc. have the term registered for furniture, luggage and other goods. If you want to be safe, be sure not to use any of the logos of Myspace, Inc. and design your site so that it clearly has nothing to do with Myspace, Inc. And remember, even if your web site doesn't infringe on any of the registered uses for the term, Myspace Inc. might still send a C&D to you or your web hosts. If your site has little traffic and clearly no income they might ignore you, but there's no guarantee.
MySpace has filed several Federal trademark lawsuits against people who have used myspace in their domain name, and even those who didn't (but allegedly were trying to profit off their trademark). The smaller the site, the less likely they will find out about it - but why start a site that you will always have to worry about being sued for? Legally, you can't use MySpace in a domain without their permission if the content will be related to the "MySpace.com" portal.
Well, i think the below link will give good explanation if it is safe or not.. domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/672161.htm M
There is a risk involved, indeed, however most have had no problem with it. About a year ago (right around when that decision was filed) myspace sent out several C&D's and seized some domains. They have been pretty quiet about it since then to the best of my knowledge, and I've heard it said that they are no longer going after myspace "resource sites" ... but that might just be speculation or internet chatter.