Domain Question

[ittechs310]

Is it legel to register a domain name using a celebrities name or company name or a catch phrase, or do those individuals/companies have rights to those even if you register it?

Thanks.

 

[lexisdomains]

No. That would be considered trademark infringement. As far as catch phrases are concerned, these are usually fair game. But it's always good to double check USPTO.gov first.

Is it OK to register - BillGates.com (no - this would be considered TM infringement)

Is it OK to register the following catch phrase 1. 'Just Do It' (no - this is a trademark phrase for NIKE)

Do you see where we're going here?

Hope this helps,

 

[mrjohn]

Define "illegal".

Yes, you may register such a domain. However, if they have a clear trademark claim, they can take the domain from you with a court order. You won't be forced to pay a fine or any similar penalties, but you will lose the domain if the trademark registrant or celebrity in question opts to press the issue.

Since that is a civil judgment with no penalties, it's not "illegal" in the strictest sense. You haven't committed a crime. However . . . a trademark is a trademark, and the trademark holder will almost always win.

 

[Sparhawke]

Some celebrities however sometimes do allow people to use their names as a fansite but this is not the norm, a well known one is DavidBoreanaz.com, he of Buffy, Angel & Bones fame.

You will notice that the mentioned site makes no money at all on his name, it is purely non-profit, which is why he probably tolerates it.

Use of any of this Web Site’s content for commercial or financial gain is prohibited and may constitute a violation of state and federal trademark, service mark and copyright laws, including, but not limited to United States Code, Title 15, Section 1125. Each third party content provider owns the copyright in content original to it, and only said copyright holder may authorize its use for commercial or financial gain. This site’s author does not accept advertising revenue or any other form of compensation for the maintenance of this Web Site. All rights belong to their respective copyright owners and no profits are being generated from the content posted on this Web Site.

Best probably to keep away from the names of famous people, and certainly trademarks.

 

[nuco6]

if it is TM i will say a big no