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Using "for dummies" in a domain name

by webatomic
10 replies
Does anyone know if there are any copyright/legal issues if I were to use the phrase "for dummies" in a domain name? Like makingwidgetsfordummies.com?
#domain #for dummies
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    Yes, I believe "For Dummies" is trademarked.

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  • Profile picture of the author scortillion
    Yes it's a trademark and if you use it in your domain name, especially the way you plan, you will be told to give up the domain
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    I would pass on using that domain.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sardent
      If you pick up a "...for Dummies" book and look inside, it will tell you that it is trademarked.
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      • Profile picture of the author biosclan
        You should check out their latest book Domain Names For Dummies
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        • Profile picture of the author donhx
          "For Dummies" has been trademarked by Wiley Publishing. See: Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)

          However, if you do a search there you will see others have been able to trademark specific names like "Real Estate for Dummies." One of them, "Identity Theft for Dummies" was just filed in Oct 2010 and is not related to Wiley/IDG.

          This is definitely an area where you want to get legal advice, not opinions on a forum.
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          • Profile picture of the author PeterO1
            For Dummies is definitely a trade mark, you will probably lose your domain if you head down that track,

            If you want to wager a legal battle against them to allow you to use it then be prepared to spend a lot of money doing so, and at the end of the day.... be prepared to LOSE.

            My advice..
            Stay away from using these types of trade terms in your Domains...

            All the best....Peter
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            • Profile picture of the author MajorNet
              Originally Posted by PeterO1 View Post

              For Dummies is definitely a trade mark, you will probably lose your domain if you head down that track,

              If you want to wager a legal battle against them to allow you to use it then be prepared to spend a lot of money doing so, and at the end of the day.... be prepared to LOSE.

              My advice..
              Stay away from using these types of trade terms in your Domains...

              All the best....Peter
              Great answer! Been there done that with the "dummies" domain. Don't waste your time. Yes you will lose.
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              • Profile picture of the author peterconti
                I wrote one of the dummies books

                Commercial real estate investing for dummies and I have had
                problems with copywrite even.. I think I can get the publishers approval,
                but usually I just leave the dummies word out of the title
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