This guy who is a very loose acquaintance who I'm doing a favor for. The guy has a really good singing voice and wants me to make him a website. I won't go over the details, but I agreed to spend just a little bit of time making him a site, even though he won't be paying me. It's just one of those "I'll hook you up if I make it as a singer" type deals, so I'm not expecting anything. Anyways, I have the option of registering the domain as his exact name ex "johnsmith.com" or a stage name he has used with a descriptive word ex "zorrosmooth.com" I'm going to be paying for the domain for him, and hosting the site on my account, since the guy is broke, so legally, would it be a bad thing to register it as "hisfirstlastname.com" seeing as how if the site gets somewhat popular and the guy just disappears on me (a very real possibility, he seems like that kind of guy), I'm planning on just monetizing it a little bit and making a few bucks.
Whichever name you choose to use draft a simple legal contract that says: In considreation of your registering a domain and creating a site that ownership rights in the domain name, the site and the content are yours until such time as...................whatever terms you want to include. More than one person has sold their name before.
If you're really intending to do what you described, Hawaii Guy, then do what Colbyt suggested. I've seen various cases where things got ugly between two people with this sort of scenario.
Ok, I'll do it then. How do I come up with the exact wording for the legal document that I have him sign though? I have zero legal experience. Thanks for the help guys.
Just use good english, no mistakes... It should be enough for a person to understand it, and include all terms ike you are not responsible for any legal issue regarding your name with the domain and stuff... and get both signs, make 2 copies, giv one to him, keep one with urself including the orignal...
thanks, but I'm still now sure what to write, if anyone would like to point me twords something I could use, or would spend 60 seconds typing out some exact wording for me, I'd appreciate it.
Rather than try to be a lawyer just write out a simple contract. Not saying this is perfect English but it will get you started. This agreement is a binding contract between yourname, hereinafter called Designer and his name, hereinafter called Client. The Designer will purchase the domain name, _______ , create content for that site and provide hosting for the site. In consideration of those services the Client has agreed to the use of his (stage or proper) name for the site. The name is the site and whoever owns and controls the site shall own the right to use the name for the site. The Designer shall own the domain name, the site and the use of the Client's ______ name until such time as the Client <put whatever terms you agree to here.> Of course it needs to have dates and signatures. Also best if you both sign before a notary. This document shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of ____________. Should any portion of it be declared void the remaining terms shall continue in effect.
I would just make these minor changes so it is more clear what the consideration is: This agreement is a binding contract between yourname, hereinafter called Designer and his name, hereinafter called Client. The Designer will purchase the domain name, _______ , create content for that site and provide hosting for the site. In consideration of those services the Client grants Designer all legal rights to use ___(name)___ and __www.websitename.xxx__. Client acknowledges that www.websitename.xxx and all related content is the property of Designer. Client grants Designer a non-exclusive license to use his name, image, and likeness for the purposes of the website. <put whatever other terms you agree to here.> It is the intent of the parties that Designer will operate a website in order to promote the entertainment career of Client. Profits, expenses, and losses belong to __________. Of course it needs to have dates and signatures. Also best if you both sign before a notary. This document shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of ____________. Should any portion of it be declared void the remaining terms shall continue in effect.
Awesome, thank you guys. I will use a combination of the last two to cover my ass I don't anything will go wrong, but it's a good feeling to have the safety net of a document like this to back me up if he decides to go crazy. Thanks again for all the advice guys.