snareklutz said:
Trademarks, patents and copyrights are different! In this case, you'll need a trademark, which will cost you'll quite a buck. You're best bet now is to register all extensions, and possible typos.
Wrong, it does not cost a buck to attain a TM. It will cost to have your TM registered. You can aquire a TM through commercial usage of a product or business name. Example, I have a TM on DNQuest.com, I have been doing business with this name and have clients around the world who has used DNQuest.com. I attained a TM through commercial usage. Cost = $0.00. If I were to register my TM with USTPO, it will cost money. But if you are ever challenged (or if you challenge someone), you will have the backing of the government.
The best thing to do...
Make sure you have a copyright for your content( this WILL NOT cover your domain name) Use the TM symbol whenever you reference your site name (check my site, that i what I did). If you have the money and the desire, register your TM with the USTPO if you feel it is important enough.
Remember, there will always be people wanting to profit of of other peoples work, jsut reaad some of the posts here (sorry guys). There is no way to stop them all. You can protect yourself as much as possible. Register the major extensions ($70 per year investment). Register your TM. Or at least keep records of first use, use screeenshots. Send yourself registered snail mail with your TM and an outline of your business. Do not open it when you receive it. You can use the Post mark as evidence of timing.
Hope this helps.
PS- It is better to have a registered mark than a TM.
