Maybe nobody could tell you about the reasons of some exeptions, but I think better not doing similar things

Yes, it is risky.

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Definitely, using brand name with trademarks can put you in trouble. I opted to avoid such and just settled with using the brand name on the pages. I feel like it works better for searches, this is because most people never look at the domain name, the initial attention is just at the page name and description.

I thought about doing that years ago and although many never have a problem, you never actually own it. If you become successful it's one small easy step from being taken away.

It is necessary to check for copyright before using domain names similar to brands or products. Companies may choose to sue you or may not sue everyone who may be using their name. But if they do you may be liable to pay unbelievable amounts as damages. Hence it is not worth taking a risk. As they say, "Better safe than sorry!"

To check copyright you can go to "http://cocatalog.loc.gov" and type the name that you are considering.

Star Wars is a bad example. Lucasfilm is not really known for going after fan sites that use its trademarks as long as they don't disparage the trademark.

On the flip side of that coin you could register a domain name that contains a trademark and that company could very well come chomping at the bit to shut you down.

Finally. I don't build my online income on "exceptions" rather I find comfort in building them on solid ground. For those who have monetized a trademarked domain name and are contacted by a company to "cease and desist" then calling a lawyer is your best course of action.

BP

Two years ago I registered domain with brand name ( ebay) ebayauctionsnow.info.

After few days I got this mail from Ebay

Your Domain Registration ebayauctionsnow. [Case #5487]








www..comwww..dewww..co.uk




http://pages..com/help/community/tm.html
http://pages..com/help/policies/trademark.html












This is my experience, it is not very advisable to use a popular brand name in domain or else you might face lose of money ( at least little) like me.

All very interesting. I'm still curious about the use of a brand name in "any" part of the url though (such as a subdomain).

TM - it's always very big risk

Using a brand-name is very from what i know there are companies running the internet looking for stolen brand-names or the like.

Why take the chance? If the site really takes off, do you want to worry about it being taken down?

Write about them and use the trademarked name in the URL, but not domain name.

Example: www. widgetshq.com/all-about-TRADEMARKEDNAME-widget

YES! You can use a trademark in a domain. In fact, you can always use them...as long as YOU are the trademark owner. Other than that, it's not a good idea.

All the best,
Michael

It goes without saying that you can use your own trademark.

But I'm pretty sure he meant a trademark that he DIDN'T own, therefore the Star Wars example he used.

You want to put the trademark in there so the site is easy to find in search engines. Guess what, the legal teams for trademarks also use search engines. Plus they get Google Alerts.

They'll send you a C&D in no time.

I wouldn't risk it. Pick another domain and do marketing. Marketing is the most important part anyway. I know you may be going for something close to exact match domain name, but you can still earn tons without using a brand name in your domain name.

If it is not a company or product that has been around a while, the company still has rights to their own name, but might be too new to be much of a legal player. People get around this by using the word REVIEW in their site. You are not saying you are part of (pick a name) " TurboLover," (for example) you are providing a service (And affiliate link) by reviewing the product in a favorable light with TurboLoverReview.com. It is up to the owner of "Turbo Lover" to either leave you alone since you have a nice review of the product and are making each other money or they can choose to distance themselves from you and their product whether it is a bad or good review because it might make them nervous that some day you could turn on them if something goes wrong. When you gamble, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Good Luck!

I think the "rule of thumb" is, if it would lead a typical user to believe the site was owned or sanctioned by the company (paypal, etc.), then it's an infringement.

Some will see "paypalproducts.com" and think it's an official paypal site, therefore it can be pursued as an infringement.

No reasonable person would see "PayPalSucks.com" and think that paypal owned that site, lol! Therefore not an infringement.

it is risky

It's very risky to use a brand name in your domain. I wouldn't go there without weighing the pros and cons. Just remember, you can get sued or your website can be taken off when you use a brand name in your domain.

What about using part of a brand name (e.g. "Trek" from Star Trek)? Is that okay or can they get you on a technicality?

Since I assume you are looking to use that term or another to promote this or something related to that, you shoudn't use a part either

But you could in a name article, don't you think it is a better idea? use a general term in tehe domain for your niche that also would extend the range to add more things. I mean, supposing you want to create a niche for game consoles, don't choose the word playstation, choose game consoles insted (just an example) Of course I'm refereing to a domain name

Hi,

my oppinion is not to use the brand name as domain name. Possible to use www.swmodels.com? When come to SEO part only compete with them the keyword like star wars.

If you are trademark owner then its good to use it in URL. Also to use brand name in domain is very effective for your brand recognition.

If you use a brand name for profit, it's a big no no, if it's not for profit, it's better to seek permission before you go ahead.

Using a brand name in a domain will usually not end with you losing the domain but it has definitely happened a few times to me I wouldn't recommend it!

Let's turn the tables here - you are the owner of a popular enterprise of which your brand name is trademarked.

Would you want others siphoning off your success? I know I wouldn't.

The only people I've seen somewhat open and accepting of the practice is IM'ers with a product launch who don't seem to mind other IMer's using it -- those who find every possible variation so they can give their COMPLETELY HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW (tongue firmly in cheek).

Whether you should go for the domain with a trademark in it depends entirely on your tolerance for risk. If you're willing to work hard to build your site only to have it snatched from you one day, then that is you choice -- just go in with eyes wide open, and know what the worst-case scenario is.

Don't do it, even if you got away with it for a while, they could come and take all your hard work. I have done it and even forgot once only to have lawyers on my back.

Ask a lawyer. They'll tell you.

no you can't, it will get you in trouble, happened to one i know

Using Brand name in domain can be risky. It may be harmful.

The best bet would be to ask the company first before doing anything. Make sure you get it in writing from the company that you have their permission to use their name. This will help to eliminate legal battles between you and the companies.