'DUBS' legal issues?

[Abdulla]

Hello,

I have read confusing posts about 'slang' words. Dubs is a slang word for wheels that are 20inch or bigger. 'DUB' is a trademark held by dubmagazine.com, so is there any potential legal problems with domains like those? I mean if I get a domain 'dubs.*TLDHERE*', and say I develop it into a wheels website, will there be any possible trademark issues i have to deal with? I have seen websites that use the term 'dubs' in their domain such as: 'rollingondubs.com' - this site even has the trademark for 'rollingondubs.com'. So can you please help me out here, because im new to legal stuff.

Thanks.

 

[Dave_Z]

Perhaps an example might clarify things, even if just a bit. :D

Take the word delta. It's used by an airline company, a faucets company, a
hotel, etc.

All bear the same word. But none are "reaching" into one another's respective
specific usages.

So the magazine publisher can use the word dub for magazines, I can use it to
sell rubber, and you can use it as a slang for whatever. Don't use it to publish
a magazine or sell rubber, and you might...might...just be fine.

Bottom line, it's how you intend to use it (as always) that makes a difference.

 

[zenlogo]

Dave Zan's answer is right-on. No one will be able to assure you of future trademark security, however, as long as you're not infringing on another's field of utilization, you would probably have a successful defense if challenged. The fact that the name is used in reference to your intended usage is another feather in your cap.

 

[Abdulla]

Thanks for your input

 

[labrocca]

dub has other meanings as well and it's a dictionary word.

http://www.answers.com/dub&r=67

Dub magazine does have a TM for it in the usage of magazines and the auto industry in general.

 

[Ronald Regging]

Well the usage he seemed to be wanting to use it for was auto-related. So it might be a bit of a sticky situation. Personally, I hate when companies TM slang terms, because they aren't original, it's not like they created it, but they try to capitalize on it's popularity.

 

[jnadel]

Dub has a company (or is associated with one) that is called Twenty-Inches-Strong. They make wheels. There might be a problem.