Are Stock Symbols Protected?

[FreshAvails.com]

Could you register a companies stock symbol (APPL for example) and discuss the company or stock in general on a site and be ok?

 

[domi]

Check for trademarks. If no trademarks then it's ok

 

[Daniel]

Check for trademarks. If no trademarks then it's ok

Not true, a company could easily have an unregistered trademark that they acquired through use of the domain over time.

:tu:

Dan

 

[DNQuest.com]

Though I tout usage... what usage does stock symbols have?

http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/word/2002/d2002-0462.doc

Yet, Complainant’s claim of common law rights is supported only by the existence of a ticker symbol whose sole use is alleged to be with investors in the context of investing.

Now, the only way I see a stock symbol being challenged is in the usage of that symbol. If you pass yourself of as the company or confuse the public in anyway, that might hurt you. Other than that, the company may not be successful.

 

[labrocca]

I also wonder if the exchange itself might have rights to the name... interesting question really.

 

[jberryhill]

Been tried.

Stock ticker symbols, per se, are not trade or service marks of the company or the exchange.

Now, the company *might* also be using the symbol as a mark, or vice versa, but if we are talking about the ticker symbol qua ticker symbol, then, no, it's not a mark.

 

[FreshAvails.com]

Thanks for all your feedback. Rep has been provided. Now I need to see how to get ahold of some good ones and test the system Thanks again

 

[bradskid]

if you meant to type in AAPL.. which is apple computers.. I have a domain with just AAPL and i have had it up for 3 months without problem. But I am also a shareholder with legitimate interest. I have about 50% of my IRA in apple.