Question re: Vulgar Domain Names

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by DuncanM, Jun 13, 2006.

  1. #1
    A few weeks ago, in the "Directories" forums, I recall seeing a reference to a "sucksass" website (googlesucksass.com). I have often considered putting up a sucksass website too, but I am not sure how safe it would be. So I thought I'd post my questions.

    1) If I put up a symantecsucksass website, criticizing Symantec, could Symantec contact my hosting company and pressure them to terminate hosting?

    2) If I instead put up a, say, bangladeshsucksass website, could a government official from Bangladesh contact the hosting company and pressure them to terminate my hosting account?

    In both cases, I do not intend to post porn or offensive language (the domain itself would be the most coarse part of the website); however, the sites would be critical of the target, be it a company, country, state, or city.

    So I am wondering, although sites are allowed to post criticism, would the fact the site has a rather coarse domain name be enough to have the plug pulled on it?
     
    DuncanM, Jun 13, 2006 IP
  2. Lpspider

    Lpspider Well-Known Member

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    #2
    It really depends. If it is comany (like in #1) I would say yes, they can terminate your account.

    But in #2, I'm not so sure... I don't think they could. Freedom of speech, right?
     
    Lpspider, Jun 13, 2006 IP
  3. jrd1mra

    jrd1mra Peon

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    #3
    In #1 if done properly would fall under the parody and free speech use of a trademark. We are allowed, under our constitution to say whatever we want about a company. We just can not state LIES as FACTS.
    We can make a website that says "Google sucks ass. They are the crappiest SE in the world" In huge letters with people talking about how crappy Google is and why we think so. and name the site Googleisshit.com No problem.
    But you can't say "google rips off its customers and is run by satan worshippers." Though thats funny and probobaly wouldnt raise much flak due to its pure ridiculousness, you understand what I mean.

    As long as you are not making money directly by use of their trademark, or representing yourself as googl;e or an endorsed affiliate then you should be fine.
    Check out the info in my sig. click trademarklaw.
     
    jrd1mra, Jun 13, 2006 IP
  4. ahkip

    ahkip Prominent Member

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    #4
    Hum,,but if you criticizing Symantec (talking about fact, not opinion )and they have a prove that what you claim is not true, they can sue you for that, right?
     
    ahkip, Jun 13, 2006 IP
  5. jrd1mra

    jrd1mra Peon

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    #5
    You have to be careful what you say. They could sue you for defamation (very difficult to prove as is libel). Most likely they will just harass your webshost into taking down your website. There are specific processes they have to follow however.
     
    jrd1mra, Jun 13, 2006 IP
  6. DuncanM

    DuncanM Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Thanks for the feedback, folks.

    I wasn't planning to make libelous statements, just a summary of information I have gathered from forums (including DP), blogs, etc., for example, it slows a system down, is not truly effective at catching viruses, is near impossible to uninstall completely, has a poor sales approach, etc. That way, in forums like DP, whenever somebody asks a question about Symantec, instead of repeating the same infomation again and again, a person can just say, "Go to page such-and-such for such information."

    Or perhaps I should just create a del.icio.us account solely comprised of links slamming Symantec.


    -- Duncan
     
    DuncanM, Jun 13, 2006 IP