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Is This Word Ok As Part of A Domain Name?

by Dan Ellenwood
8 replies
I know it is a no-no to use a company name or the such like in a domain name.

Would the word "ipad" be considered as part of this list?

I picked up a domain a while back with the word ipad in it and was thinking of setting it up, selling ipad stuff, but I'm not sure if I would get in trouble with Apple.

Thanks for any help!
#domain #part #word
  • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
    I'm not a lawyer - but Ill say common sense and from what I've read in the past that using that in your domain is asking for trouble.

    I wouldn't do it.
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    "May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

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  • Profile picture of the author jimmymc
    Don't waste your time, unless you're thinking of a new line of feminine hygiene products... even then, I doubt if it would fly. Apple is rabid about protecting their trademarks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Simmeon
    Unless you want to be sued. Don't bother registering a Trademark domain.

    Check WIPO to find all domains that have been taken.
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  • Profile picture of the author mosthost
    iPad is a registered trademark of Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) and can't be used in a domain registration.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Ellenwood
      ok, thanks. I'll let this domain expire and will never do anything with it...(sigh)
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      • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Dan Ellenwood View Post

        ok, thanks. I'll let this domain expire and will never do anything with it...(sigh)
        Good call. Not worth the hassle to get letters from Apple over one domain name.
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  • Profile picture of the author eibhlin
    Yes, that's the best option, sadly.

    Before buying a domain name, it's smart to check the US Trademark site. They have a free search: Search Trademark Database

    Some trademark owners are rabid. Disney, Apple, Star Trek come to mind right away, as companies with ferocious lawyers on retainer.

    On the other hand... years ago, I registered a domain name that I thought was generic enough, but it was part of a TV show name. The show paid me four figures to give the domain name to them. Everyone was happy when the transfer was concluded. I was kind of amazed at how easy that was. It could have been ugly.

    Today, I figure I've had my lucky break, and I always check the trademarks list before registering any domain name. You never know when some weird set of words will be trademarked.
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    Artist, blogger, and author of a bazillion books, more or less. Find me at Eibhlin.com
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  • Profile picture of the author weeharp
    If I were you and I really wanted to promote Ipad products I would make a generic name site and then try to rank the inner pages for the Ipad products. I don't think this would be a big deal to Apple and you would still get to rank for the exact names/titles that you wanted to. Google will rank well written pages just as well as the domain itself.

    plus if there was an issue you can just delete the pages, but I highly doubt there will be.

    best of luck
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