6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Choosing a Domain Name - Are there any Legal Issues to Consider?

by Rodopi
5 replies
When choosing a domain, should we be aware of possible legal action/redress from similarly named domains?

For example -

I have chosen the keyword 'Slimming Sensation'

I discover that 'slimmingsensation.com' is not available, but 'bestslimmingsensation.com' and 'newslimmingsensation.com' are available.

If I proceed and purchase one of these domains and develop a website around it, am I inviting any legal actions against me where I may have to take this website down?

I do realise that there may be ethical issues here, but are there any legal issues?
#choosing #domain #issues #legal
  • Profile picture of the author Shane N
    There are only legal issues in the event that
    you use a TRADEMARKED name within your
    domain name.

    Such as "BestAppleiPhones.com"

    That would be a trademark violation.

    You can check to see if any particular phrase
    or name is trademarked easily online with a
    Google search.

    Best,
    Shane
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3867450].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Trademarked ******OR******* defamatory ******OR******* misleading in the above could cause a legal problem. ggle.com, for example, is technically legal. It is often a ploy to divert traffic from google.com, and you COULD get in trouble for it.

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3868351].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    Anything with a trademarked name or anything that is slanderous to a trademarked name. Usually just assume a grey area should be avoided. After all, you don't want to do all that work to have to take it down.
    Signature
    FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
    (4 days only!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3868361].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rodopi
    Thanks for all your comments.

    Much appreciated.
    Signature

    Wishing you every success in all your endeavours.
    Mick Gray.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3876604].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author GeneralTallon
      I wanted to sell Rolex Watches as my first site.
      Purchased www.mensrolex.com and proceeded to build my wp site.
      it was slowly being build, but when I added affiliate links to the site I had a legal cease and desist notice from an attorney for infringing on their rights by using rolex in the domain name. lol

      I had to give them the domain name. I didn't give it to them for 5-7 months! lol!

      So... Yeah, don't use company names or product names in the domain name


      -Tallon
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3877065].message }}

Trending Topics