Is it ok to purchase domains and build websites around them that have to do with an state or county fair? An example would be say I own XXXXStateFair.ORG and all the rest of the TLD's however the state or city owns the .COM version, is it fine for me to build upon the .org version and out rank the .com version?
Many state fairs are trademarked. You could run into trademark issues and could lose the domains. You can do trademark searches here: http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=searchss&state=4005:5nv3rh.1.1
Hi toby, The link you posted was expired, must be based off an cookie. In any case is it that I just visit http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm and then click on the Search link on the right and then the New User Form Search? If so I typed in my query and it returned zero exact matches, for the sate or name in question. So does that mean I'm free to crush my competition and pull in all their advertisers? One other question since I own all the TLD's except .com would .ORG be an better choice to build the site around than say net or info?
Some are trademarked, some are not (Oklahoma State Fair & California State Fair are trademarked). I am not a lawyer, and my post won't count as a defense at UDRP, but if they aren't trademarked I think you are good to go.