I'm new to web mastering, but I have been buying up domains for quite a few years. I wanted to get an idea about what the legalities are of running a Bulletin Board system regarding some industrial machinery. I'd like to have a board that has forums for each manufacturer of a certain type of machinery. Most of these names are trademarked by the brands owner. I want users to be able to post questions about the manufacturers equipment and get help from other owners of that brands equipment, or post comments with their thoughts on that manufacturers products. I wanted to find out if there were any legal issues that I should be concerned about, for example using their names as forum names on the board. All advice appreciated DJ
Using their names isn't a problem insofar as you attribute the trademarks to their respective owners (with TM). Also, on (at least) the entry page to the forums, a disclaimer that the trademarks are being used without permission and the trademark holders do not endorse the site or contents, etc. For an example, you can see my blog, The Odd Man Out and look at the Permissions box. Hope that helps, and if anyone knows different, please let us (OP and me) know.