7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Using a sports team name in domain, a no-no?

by ErnieB
6 replies
I wanted to get an exact keyword match domain for a niche product but was wondering about using a sports teams name in the domain. I have seen others do it and usually they put some kind of disclaimer at the bottom referencing "fair use" ( i think thats what they call it ). Is that acceptable or could i still be in trouble? For an example, a domain i would be interested in would look something like this ( just an example ) AtlantaBravesJerseys.com

Any thoughts/experiences?
#domain #nono #sports #team
  • Profile picture of the author Rich Struck
    Could you do it and get away with it? Probably, for a while at least. But - if down the line they decide they want to make your life difficult, do you have the $$$ to defend your position? Are you willing to give up years and years of work to settle if they decide to sue you?
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2077237].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    You'll get a C&D pretty quickly.

    My brother is in the sports niche and went through that painful experience. NCAA teams are more aggressive (it's probably just the attorney they've hired), but pro teams will come after you, too.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2077282].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
      My mom used to sew scrub tops and some of the fabric was made up of NFL logos and stuff. Didn't take too long until she received a cease and desist.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2077373].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author HCLee
        I have always stayed away from using brand names that belong to others. If you do, you take that risk of getting into trouble and finally having your site taken down. My advice is stay away from doing this no matter how tempting it is. Have a peace of mind.
        Signature
        Electric Foot Warmers -End your cold feet days now.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2077387].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JMartin
    "Fair Use" hahahaha.

    Those guys don't know what the term means. Also, if you're infringing on someone's rights, you can say all the lovely things you want and it doesn't matter.

    The NFL would nail you to the wall. Heck, they even got angry over what radio announcers can and can't say about game information. MLB goes that route too.

    You could probably do it with Hockey in the US since no one watches it or cares. hahah joking, don't do it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2077397].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ErnieB
    Thanks for all the replies. Pretty much what i figured but thought i would ask opinions since i have seen many sites out there using pro team names.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2077404].message }}

Trending Topics