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is it legal to use "INC" in the domain name?

by GuyDon
15 replies
I just want to know using the word "inc" is legal or not.
let's say webdevelopmentinc.com . If I register a domain like that will I face problems when getting accepted to payment gateway like 2 checkout?
let me know your advice..pls
Thanks
#domain #legal
  • Profile picture of the author Ronno99
    I'm pretty sure that is ok.
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  • Profile picture of the author apkkadam
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Adam X
      A domain name is not a business entity, so it should be Ok, as long as it doesn't break any copyright or trademark laws.
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    • Profile picture of the author professorrosado
      Is that an exact match keyword?
      For branding, usually the INC is not part of branding recognition - unless the INC is a vital part of the brand, as in "Revenge Incorporated" where the INC actually distinguishes the brand from just being the word and meaning "revenge". Revenge Incorporated can mean a company started by Mr. Revenge, A Shoe company whose products all say REVENGE! You get the idea.

      But if revenge(DOT)com is already taken (as it is) then revengeinc(DOT)com may be available and then this would be okay - especially if the domain owner is actually a company named Revenge Inc. or if the product brand includes the Inc.

      Long winded post just to say, do what builds your branding best in terms of recognition, on line buyer (surfing & search) behavior, and your long term goals.
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  • Profile picture of the author GuyDon
    registering the domain is not a problem.. but im curious about using payment gateways on that domain.
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  • Profile picture of the author brentb
    Are you incorporated? If not then just do it and you will be fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author GuruGuna
    If you own a company with the INC ending then I don't see an issue.

    If you don't, why would you?
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  • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
    Banned
    LOL at the fail in this thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    GuyDon... you have received some monumentally bad advice
    in this thread. Inc is a universally recognized abbreviation for
    the word incorporated. As such, it conveys a specific legal
    status. Misrepresenting your legal business status could result
    in serious problems for you.

    The best advice you could possibly get is stop asking for legal
    advice from a bunch of strangers who may actually know nothing
    but are more than willing to advise you.

    Be a real business owner... call a lawyer.
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    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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    • Profile picture of the author Lena Williams
      Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

      GuyDon... you have received some monumentally bad advice
      in this thread. Inc is a universally recognized abbreviation for
      the word incorporated. As such, it conveys a specific legal
      status. Misrepresenting your legal business status could result
      in serious problems for you.

      The best advice you could possibly get is stop asking for legal
      advice from a bunch of strangers who may actually know nothing
      but are more than willing to advise you.

      Be a real business owner... call a lawyer.
      I think this is a very good advice. Personally, I cannot see any harm in using INC in domain names. People are having misconception about EMD, that is why they are expressing their views differently and making the things more confusing.
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    • Profile picture of the author apkkadam
      Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

      GuyDon... you have received some monumentally bad advice
      in this thread. Inc is a universally recognized abbreviation for
      the word incorporated. As such, it conveys a specific legal
      status. Misrepresenting your legal business status could result
      in serious problems for you.
      .................
      I agree, it is a legal question and it is best to check with a lawyer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Deepak Media
    I have seen a lot of companies add ink to their domain name.
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  • Profile picture of the author Troy_Phillips
    If your business is a legal INC and you want to use your business name as a domain name go for it. If you are using INC at the end of a domain for social proof then you may find that most of the advice above can get you in trouble. (pssttt this is not for you T)

    I run under s-corp and pay in many ways for that distinction. There is considerable cost in filing plus yearly continuance. I have to maintain a board of officers and am required to have official meetings during the year. I do all of this for several reasons but the biggest reason for me is the tax breaks.

    When filling out financial information such as that required by a site like Pay Pal there is certain information associated with being incorporated that you will not be able to provide without being incorporated. At least the payment processor will freak and not go into contract with you and they could go the route of turning you in to the proper authorities. On of those authorities in the USA just happens to be a bulldogish little entity called the IRS.
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  • Profile picture of the author techbul
    I am pretty sure you can use inc without problems. But if you really want to be on the safe side, I also advise you to contact a lawyer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
      Originally Posted by techbul View Post

      I am pretty sure you can use inc without problems. But if you really want to be on the safe side, I also advise you to contact a lawyer.
      "pretty sure" LOL

      "Your honor.... I don't see what the problem is. I asked a bunch
      of anonymous people on the internet if it was ok to identify myself
      as a corporation when I'm not and somebody named techbul said
      he was pretty sure it's ok?

      Yeah... go with that!
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      If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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  • Profile picture of the author brettb
    Check US law. All I can say is that if anyone in the UK is using "Ltd." without being a real company, then it's real easy to take their site down.
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