Trademark Name In Domain Name

2 replies
Hi Everyone,

I know it's a big no no to use a Trademark name in your domain name but I was wondering if you could mix the words around, for example if I wanted to promote say Toy Story tshirts could I have the domain name Storytoytshirts.com. Would that be allowable or is it still treading on Trademark toes. Also if it is allowed will it be acceptable from an seo point of view. I have heard that it doesn't matter in which order the words in a domain are as long as they're in there.
Any thoughts kindly appreciated.

Thanks,
Catherine
#domain #trademark
  • Profile picture of the author jbgal
    It's always best to ask the company itself. I know that there are some trademarked brands that allow you to use the brand in the domain as long as your site is promoting them and your content is good. But you always have to ask to be sure.

    JB

    Originally Posted by Catgirl07 View Post

    Hi Everyone,

    I know it's a big no no to use a Trademark name in your domain name but I was wondering if you could mix the words around, for example if I wanted to promote say Toy Story tshirts could I have the domain name Storytoytshirts.com. Would that be allowable or is it still treading on Trademark toes. Also if it is allowed will it be acceptable from an seo point of view. I have heard that it doesn't matter in which order the words in a domain are as long as they're in there.
    Any thoughts kindly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Catherine
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  • Profile picture of the author TristanPerry
    If your content is about Toy Story t-shirts, you could still get a C&D (or worse) for it.

    Context is very much key, and in a case like this I'd imagine (at a worst case) a UDRP would easily award in favour of the company since it'd be clear that your trying to profit off the Toy Story brand.

    IMO (if you're going to do this, which thousands of niche marketers do) just do it right and use the brand/TM name in the domain. If worst comes to worse, you'll get a C&D and will have to delete the website.

    99% of companies/product manufactures tend not to take any action though.
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