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Using Product Names in Domain Name

by bears73
7 replies
As a newbie I have read over and over about the importance of having keywords in your domain name. However, what are the legal implications of having a product name in your domain name. I know that there are possible legal issues, but how real are they. I've purchased several video programs, and a number of authors say while they know there are legal issues, they have never experienced any problems themselves using a specific manufacturers product name in their domain name.

I'd appreciate real world answers to this question as I honestly don't know the real world risks.

If there is a similar thread, I'm sorry for the duplication, and perhaps you could direct me to it.
#domain #names #product
  • Profile picture of the author webtrading
    Whoever said that is not very well informed or just lucky. Very real legalities ranging from the many UDRP/WIPO cases to numerous Federal Court lawsuits for Lanham Act and copyright vlolations. There have even been cases where a lawsuit is filed in Federal Court for 6 figure amounts with no notice and the trademark owner never once contacted you to ask for the domain.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    Typically I try to stay away from trademarked terms (ie. walmartgiftcards.com, appleiphones.com, etc) - typically days to weeks that the domains go online you will receive a letter from the company lawyers demanding you transfer to the domains to them and cease and desist..

    In my opinion, it's always better to be safe than sorry
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    • Profile picture of the author Gary Gomez
      Originally Posted by ChrisBa View Post


      In my opinion, it's always better to be safe than sorry
      Agreed, stay away from them like the plague unless you are working with networks that specifically allow them, its OK for short term hit and run but never for a long term business
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    • Profile picture of the author HairyPoppins
      Originally Posted by ChrisBa View Post

      Typically I try to stay away from trademarked terms (ie. walmartgiftcards.com, appleiphones.com, etc) - typically days to weeks that the domains go online you will receive a letter from the company lawyers demanding you transfer to the domains to them and cease and desist..

      In my opinion, it's always better to be safe than sorry



      This. I had a friend build a netflix site and that lasted for about 3 days. All that work wasted.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dean Dhuli
    I think it varies from case to case...

    While you should definitely NOT have words like iphone
    or walmart in your domain name, if you're just reviewing
    a specific product and your domain name says
    "canoncamera3452dlrreview.com" I think they'll be ok with it.

    But that said, don't just take my word for it.



    - Dean
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew Zapp
    Yes there are implications. For example, Amazon.com does not allow any form of their name to be used in any domain names. Also, their products such as the kindle, kindle fire etc. Any play on the name as well can result in a legal issue between each other. Try sticking to the niche the product is in and you should be okay.
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    • Profile picture of the author Thierry Samuel
      Originally Posted by Andrew Zapp View Post

      Yes there are implications. For example, Amazon.com does not allow any form of their name to be used in any domain names. Also, their products such as the kindle, kindle fire etc. Any play on the name as well can result in a legal issue between each other. Try sticking to the niche the product is in and you should be okay.
      yeah, I agreed with Andrew. I saw people have making some bucks from amazon aff but then all gone since azon directly warn him cause his domain made up the keyword for specific product, but just in cases for niche keyword it would be fine.
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