domains and copyrights (name of actor or fictional character)

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is it ok to buy an exact domain with a name of actor or fictional character from movie or cartoon?
#search engine optimization #actor #character #copyrights #domains #fictional
  • depends on who it is, they might sue to get it back

    also depends on what you do with it

    example
    walmartsucks.com, you KNOW that Walmart sicked their attorneys on that guy
    Walmart lost
    its free speech protected by the constitution, said the courts
    • [1] reply
    • I mean exact domain with actor name (its not a brand name) for example:

      meganfox.com or spangebob.com

      some sort of fan-page or a wiki page about them ?
      • [1] reply
  • I think the answer is that yes, it's trademark infringement. However, for fan sites, I think most companies let it go. It's good for them to have fan sites.

    If you were using it to sell stuff or make money off their brand, that might be a different story. But I think fan sites are likely good to go.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • People and celebrities are fair game, unless they
      trademark their names. Sometimes when they apply,
      they get turned down. Sarah Palin is one I remember
      recently that tried and was turned down.

      One big reason many celebrities do not own their
      names .com, is that fans have scooped them
      up. Yes, if they complain, it may go to court.
      Some win, many lose.

      Nobody can take your domain from you except
      in a legal ruling, not just because.

      The exception is if you have a US based extension,
      like com,net,org, and you are doing something illegal.
      Or even a website with any US servers. The US govt
      just shut down hundreds of fake NFL gear sites.

      But remember this is only US law. Many countries could
      give a rip about the US and their laws. Hence we have
      fake apple stores in China.

      Paul
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
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