I own the domain http://www.microsoftforum.net I want to set up a forum for microsoft products etc. but am not sure how to get it started if I do set up a site for it. Any ideas?
I think I would first prepare myself for a letter from a Microsoft lawyer. Trademark issues and all that.... http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=mikerowesoft&btnG=Google+Search
Big difference is MS has no weight because there are many MS companies. Using the term Microsoft though will not allow you to keep it. I would almost assure you that they will contact you. The contents of the letter I would be interested. How long have you owned the domain? I was pretty sure you were no longer able to register certain domains, Microsoft being one of them.
If they got mikerowesoft*com http://www.google.ca/search?num=10&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&newwindow=1&q="mikerowesoft"&btnG=Search&meta= they probably contact you soon to get your domain... Maybe you'll get an xbox too...
that one was a huge, huge stretch. they didn't really "win" the case, they just got the kid to settle. but yeah, the basic rule of thumb (I made a similar thread a while back), was that if you're using their name, and it's somehow actually related to them (it may be acceptable if you just happened to have something completely unrelated to microsoft/computers), they probably have the legal rights to it.
I don't think Microsoft will touch you for a forum, in fact I think they quite like them! As for setiing one up you might want to start looking here www.laboratoire-microsoft.org or to be more specific http://forum.laboratoire-microsoft.org/ - Michael
if ur site is more like a forum for microsoft users to discuss their issues, i dont see why microsoft will have any probs with it .. and moreover even if they want they wont have a strong case .. that way there are so many xbox , nokia, playstation forums and websites ... so basically if theres a product X then if the users of X want to discuss their problems and experiences with X will definitely look for a website with the letter X in it ...
The thing is, there are already many, many Microsoft forums out there that have been established for years and have an active user base with knowledgeable and helpful administrators and moderators. What would set your site apart from your "competition"? Why should someone go there instead of, say, WindowsForum.org or the plethora of other established websites? And also, nearly every community online has some sort of guru who can help people. I've gotten most of my problems fixed by someone in one of the communities that I frequent. And one that I go to is a non-technical board, yet we have fun and heated conversations about the latest in products. Why should I go somewhere else for that?
Yeah, I agree it will only be a matter of time before ol' Bill Gates's lawyers draw up a cease and desist order. You can try it, but just make sure you're prepared. Too bad you don't have the .com. It may be worth some money.