Using Word Combinations And The Copyright Or Trademark Issues?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by bermuda, Sep 3, 2007.

  1. #1
    Hello everyone,

    I was just wondering, if registering domain names that are a combination of two or more words, but one of them is the registered trademark of another company (of course the name be a dictionary and general term and not a company specific term like Cola) going to be problematic or not.

    As an example, when you visit the web.com they are a web hosting company, and they say the term web is their trademark.

    Now, by taking a quick look at some of the leading web hosting companies like powweb and ipowerweb I really get confused, because one part of their domain names is web and also they too are in web hosting business.

    Please let me know if I am wrong, I believe the terms that are not coined and not invented, like Cola and already are available in dictionary like web, can be used in combination with other terms to register a domain name, even if one is they are already trademarks and copyrighted by other companies and also if one is going to run a similar business, and he/she will not encounter any problems.

    Thank you for your answers beforehand
     
    bermuda, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  2. Dave Zan

    Dave Zan Well-Known Member

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    #2
    The test is "likelihood of confusion". Using your hosts example, the chances of
    customers of Web.com with Ipowerweb are likely small.

    Also, it isn't always beneficial to pursue an action that might cost a lot yet it
    won't likely produce the desired result.
     
    Dave Zan, Sep 3, 2007 IP
  3. bermuda

    bermuda Peon

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    #3
    Thanks Dave for your reply. Your are right, the confusion is the first and almost the most important matter for the copyright problems.
     
    bermuda, Sep 4, 2007 IP