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Trademarked domain names

by jayesser
9 replies
Can anyone advise on the use of trade marked domain names? If you use a name that is trademarked as part of your domain name (and clearly has the "TM" after the name) is that going to always get you into trouble with the company who owns the trademark to that name? Ive seen many sites using trademarked names and Im just not sure where I would stand. If you make a statement on your site that you are no way affiliated with the said company, is that enough to not get youito any problems?

I will say I did once have action taken against me by HP for an affiliate site I had. They were very heavy handed but in the end just took the domain names away from me. Be grateful for peoples thoughts.
#domain #names #trademarked
  • Profile picture of the author Pete Egeler
    Doubt that you'll find it is ever "ok" to use a trademark name in your domain. I also don't understand why people fail to grasp the meaning of 'Trademark".

    Pete
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    The special sale is over. No longer able to remain acitive. Domain is for sale if interested.
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    • Profile picture of the author John Sullivan
      I would keep away from using any trademark name domains you are asking for trouble.

      John
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  • Profile picture of the author Bronwyn and Keith
    Hi jayesser

    It's wise to stay clear as much as possible as generally the people who add trademarks also have BIG bank accounts and really UGLY lawyers.

    Just our view

    Regards

    Bronwyn and Keith
    Originally Posted by jayesser View Post

    Can anyone advise on the use of trade marked domain names? If you use a name that is trademarked as part of your domain name (and clearly has the "TM" after the name) is that going to always get you into trouble with the company who owns the trademark to that name? Ive seen many sites using trademarked names and Im just not sure where I would stand. If you make a statement on your site that you are no way affiliated with the said company, is that enough to not get youito any problems?

    I will say I did once have action taken against me by HP for an affiliate site I had. They were very heavy handed but in the end just took the domain names away from me. Be grateful for peoples thoughts.
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  • Profile picture of the author redlegrich
    You answered your own question with the HP incident. In order to continue to own a trademark a company must defend it. Why ask for trouble. Use model numbers for your domain names, they are not trademarked and people search for them all the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    Simple answer don't do it.

    Q
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  • Profile picture of the author andymayhem
    In our experience trademarked domains are normally either removed by the registrar or removed by Google because of a TM complaint.

    This is only if they complain though.
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  • Profile picture of the author jayesser
    Sen lots of people using TM domain names but anyway this is useful - thanks
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    kidsbatterycars
    trikesforkids
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  • Profile picture of the author truesouth
    Hi,

    Just today I saw a local web site with the same name as my site, however, my site is much newer. The point is that the site I've seen has no trademark, then I run and register my trademark? What do you think?

    Cheers.
    Signature
    "Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new." Brian Tracy
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