Sub-domain and copyright infringement?

Discussion in 'Domain Names' started by coolsitez, Nov 20, 2006.

  1. #1
    Are there any copyright issues involving the use of a trademark name as a sub-domain?

    For example, if my domain is information.net, can I add a page about Playstation3 called playstation3.information.net?

    Does it matter if I use adsense or affiliate links anywhere within the subdomain?

    Thanks for any info!
     
    coolsitez, Nov 20, 2006 IP
  2. it career

    it career Notable Member

    Messages:
    3,562
    Likes Received:
    155
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    270
    #2
    I guess no
    otherwise mail.com could have sued mail.yahoo.com ...,etc
     
    it career, Nov 21, 2006 IP
  3. Hon Daddy Dad

    Hon Daddy Dad Peon

    Messages:
    1,041
    Likes Received:
    49
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    #3
    'Mail' is not a trademark itcareer. You can't copyright or trademark generic words.
     
    Hon Daddy Dad, Nov 21, 2006 IP
  4. Nonny

    Nonny Notable Member

    Messages:
    2,093
    Likes Received:
    120
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    210
    #4
    What makes you think the word "mail" is trademarked (and that's what we're talking about here is trademark, not copyright).

    It looks like the issue is actually legally complex, and your liability depends on whether the trademark holder (in your case Sony) is wont to sue to defend its trademarks.

    Here is a recent case, in which google was sued for trademark infringement for a blogspot.com blog URL.:
    http://www.circleid.com/posts/google_sued_for_trademark_infringement_on_third_level_subdomain/

    I don't know if it's been decided yet or not.
     
    Nonny, Nov 21, 2006 IP
  5. it career

    it career Notable Member

    Messages:
    3,562
    Likes Received:
    155
    Best Answers:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    270
    #5
    May be I choosed a wrong example, try finding in google how many subdomains are there with the name "adsense"
    some web hosting service provide unlimited subdomains, so if some body has to consult a lawyer before choosing name of the subdomains, that could be funny
    Is putting a file with name "Playstation3.htm" in the website allowed ? with the arguement presented in the case , some one may get sued in near future for trademark violations as well
     
    it career, Nov 21, 2006 IP