16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Domain Name Question - Legal?

by PerigVe
13 replies
Hi guys,

I was looking at a keyword in the health (sort of) field and I was wondering if there was any restriction in using a "md" (as in medical doctor) at the end of the domain name. for example:

Code:
stopyiestinfectionmd.com
I am just wondering if there is any legal limitations to that.
#domain #domain name #legal #question
  • Profile picture of the author Ryan L
    As long as you dont claim to be an MD on the site, you should be fine...

    Plus there are no trademark issues with the domain - should be good
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735776].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fredjr1978
    Great question! I would think that as long as the site its self does not try to make it look like its advice from an actual doctor when its really not, then you will be fine.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735778].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerigVe
    Thanks, I'm good to go then!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735786].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      You should talk to a lawyer. It could be argued that, by using MD in the domain name, you are effectively claiming to be an MD or claiming that the advice offered has been cleared by an MD.

      It could come down to how the website as a whole, in connection with the domain name, is promoted and implemented. For example, a site with links to MDs that specialize in yeast infections may be less problematic than a site offering advice on yeast infections and promoting an eBook.

      Don't take advice from people in a forum on something like this. Talk to a lawyer and tell him/her your plans.
      Signature

      Dan's content is irregularly read by handfuls of people. Join the elite few by reading his blog: dcrBlogs.com, following him on Twitter: dcrTweets.com or reading his fiction: dcrWrites.com but NOT by Clicking Here!

      Dan also writes content for hire, but you can't afford him anyway.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735805].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dave Patterson
      Originally Posted by PerigVe View Post

      Thanks, I'm good to go then!
      That's what gets a LOT of people in trouble...

      If you have to ask if something is "legal" you already should have asked a lawyer...not a bunch of people in a marketing forum.
      Signature
      Professional Googler
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735817].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerigVe
    That makes sense, thanks for your advice!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735816].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerigVe
    Yeah you are right, I didn't think about it before I asked. I didn't buy anything yet. Thanks for making me think.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735823].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    Just chipping in to agree with Dan and Dave -- let a lawyer sort out your legal questions.

    ***

    Now just a personal observation...

    When someone has a name like the "copywriting doctor," they're obviously not handing out medical advice. So calling themselves a doctor is just a hook... and most people realize it.

    Once you start attaching terms like "MD" to health/medical topics, then IMO you're treading in dangerous waters.

    But I'm not a lawyer so what the heck do I know? Talk to someone who does know what they're talking about.

    Cheers,
    Becky
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735858].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerigVe
    Thanks all. I decided on a less risky alternative that will work as well I am sure
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735867].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    You get a couple answers you like from strangers in a forum and you're good to go? I would think you'd want competent legal advice you can count on rather than guesswork by well-meaning but unqualified strangers.

    If you're using MD and offering health information, intent to deceive might come into play here. People that package oregano as marijuana or flour as cocaine to sell to fools on the street can be charged with dealing drugs because of intent to deceive, this doesn't seem much difference to me.

    If something goes wrong for someone based on information they got from your site would they have a leg to stand on suing you because they thought the advice was from a doctor? I don't know the legal answer, but I do know juries are pretty sympathetic to victims. I sure wouldn't risk everything I own on a couple forum answers.

    Are you going to include a very visible disclaimer that even though your site has MD in the URL (and presumably the site title) that MD does NOT represent Medical Doctor?

    These are just a few issues that come to mind, I'm sure I could think of more if I took more time. Asking the right questions is one thing, but asking them of the right people is another. I don't think, "but those guys in the forum said it was cool" is going to be a helpful legal defense.

    . . . but then, I'm just another well-meaning but unqualified stranger so take it for what it's worth.

    Edit: I see others convinced you to change your mind while I was writing my post. Good decision. Good luck.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735880].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    p.s. Unless you're purposely going for a misspelling in your domain name, it should be "yeast" (not yiest).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735927].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerigVe
    Hi, thanks! It was just an example, I am not going to this keyword
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1735984].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author houdini
    I own over 700 domains and I can honestly say I don't think there is no Legalities for using MD in a domain unless you include it on the back of a NAME.

    Like johnsmithmd.com

    I suggest posting your question in a legal forum first. Then maybe posting teh question in a domain name related forum where you can find some real experts.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1736132].message }}

Trending Topics