legality of a domain w/state or county name?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Pixelrage, Aug 31, 2007.

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  1. #1
    Is it illegal to own a domain that has a state or county name in it? (for instance, if you purchased california.org or something to that effect?)
     
    Pixelrage, Aug 31, 2007 IP
  2. norfstar

    norfstar Peon

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    #2
    It's perfectly legal to own a domain that is a place name.
     
    norfstar, Aug 31, 2007 IP
  3. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #3
    Thanks! Does that also apply to the actual usage of the name?
     
    Pixelrage, Aug 31, 2007 IP
  4. it career

    it career Notable Member

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    #4
    Unless you reside in same country :D
    NewZealand govt lost the case for newzealand.com and had to pay in millions to buy it.
     
    it career, Aug 31, 2007 IP
  5. Pixelrage

    Pixelrage Peon

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    #5
    wow! Who did they lose it to, though?
     
    Pixelrage, Aug 31, 2007 IP
  6. bluegrass special

    bluegrass special Peon

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    #6
    As far as I know, Kentucky is the only state that has trademarked their state name.
     
    bluegrass special, Aug 31, 2007 IP
  7. AstarothSolutions

    AstarothSolutions Peon

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    #7
    In the UK there are some protected words when it comes to company names - some are simple such as to have Scotland in the name you must be based in Scotland where as others such as Royal require special permission.

    Domain names are clearly a lot less regulated compared to company names but if trading in a country which has protected words you may want to check that you arent going to have issues.
     
    AstarothSolutions, Aug 31, 2007 IP