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Im can't seem to figure this one out (trademark related)

by uski
6 replies
Hello everyone! I have a quick question I hope someone can answer.

Lets say I have this site "www.babytoyshop.com" which I would monetize with amazon product links. Is it legal to create a sub-domain with a trademarked title and try to rank for it on google? For example, "babytoyshop.com/cheap-lego" and on that "cheap-lego" page I would link to different Lego products on amazon.

I cant seem to get this answered on google. I understand that it is not legal to create an amazon affiliate site called "www.cheap-lego.com" but what about inserting aff links in sub-domains?

I hope someone can help me with this.

Cheers!
#figure #related #trademark
  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    I wouldn't risk it. Things like Lego are trademarks and not allowed to be used without proper permission. If you decide to go through with this, who knows you might get off scott free, or you could end up with a C&D letter (or worse). Its a risk, and one that I would not take if I were you.
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  • Profile picture of the author uski
    Thanks for the quick reply!

    Yeah thats what i am thinking aswell. But what about all of these review sites everyone has? The only difference is that they have the exact amazon product name in it, for example "besthdtv.com/sony-bravia-psx-160-psc" instead of "besthdtv.com/sony-bravia" ?

    I read the amazon license agreement thingy 2 times but I didnt get my answers.
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  • Profile picture of the author uski
    Originally Posted by Mike Grant View Post

    Jews for Jesus sued Google for something very similar, but the case was thrown out.
    Wow! just read about that.. thats exactly what im talking about.. but it is very confusing.. A "toy" blog must be able to link to the new "spongebob dvd" when it comes out right? And that permalink would be "toyblog.com/new-spongebob-dvd" ... I must admit, im tired... and confused. I think im gonna sleep on this one... :confused:
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  • Profile picture of the author NoBSGuy
    Imo most companies won`t complain about trademark names in sub links as long as you promote their products and don`t outrank them using keyword optimized domains with a trademark names in it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Originally Posted by uski View Post

    Hello everyone! I have a quick question I hope someone can answer.

    Lets say I have this site "www.babytoyshop.com" which I would monetize with amazon product links. Is it legal to create a sub-domain with a trademarked title and try to rank for it on google? For example, "babytoyshop.com/cheap-lego" and on that "cheap-lego" page I would link to different Lego products on amazon.

    I cant seem to get this answered on google. I understand that it is not legal to create an amazon affiliate site called "www.cheap-lego.com" but what about inserting aff links in sub-domains?

    I hope someone can help me with this.

    Cheers!
    I'm confused by your use of "sub domain". Your question is about sub domains, but your example is for sub DIRECTORIES.

    Sub domain:
    cheap-lego.babytoyshop.com

    Sub directory:
    babytoyshop.com/cheap-lego

    I wouldn't use a trade mark in a sub domain, but feel it's OK in a sub directory.

    It's my understanding you can use the trademarked phrase to the RIGHT of the TLD, but not the left.

    TLD = top level domain, or .com, .info, .org, .biz, .net, etc.
    Signature
    Discover the fastest and easiest ways to create your own valuable products.
    Tons of FREE Public Domain content you can use to make your own content, PLR, digital and POD products.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      I'm confused by your use of "sub domain". Your question is about sub domains, but your example is for sub DIRECTORIES.

      Sub domain:
      cheap-lego.babytoyshop.com

      Sub directory:
      babytoyshop.com/cheap-lego

      I wouldn't use a trade mark in a sub domain, but feel it's OK in a sub directory.

      It's my understanding you can use the trademarked phrase to the RIGHT of the TLD, but not the left.

      TLD = top level domain, or .com, .info, .org, .biz, .net, etc.
      I'm not a lawyer, but this is the way I've always read things.

      I also take the precautions of a) using the trademark symbol (TM) or (R) to acknowledge the trademark and b) adding a statement that the page is not connected to or endorsed by the trademark holder, and that trademarks used on the page belong to their respective owners.

      Since 1997, I've never had a problem.
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