Microsoft****.com - Trademark issues?

[user-7256]

Hi,

Would domain name Microsoft****.com have any legal issues?

Just wondering since I want to make a site where all anti-microsoft and pro-google & apple users can come together.

Would they sue me?

EDIT: Don't answer this - I'm guessing YES.

 

[downloadfreak]

yes, mircosoft have a history and it is a very strong TM. They will not like the idea you own a site which is anti Microsoft which also has microsoft in the domain name.

don't even bother reg'n.

 

[commes]

yah, i think there would be some just cuz its got microsft in the name even, but dont take my word seriously im justa bigginer in the domain name business

 

[MadAboutDomains]

Anything with Miscoroft written on it, dont reg

 

[user-7256]

Okay, how about:

MS****.com ?

 

[dabb]

You can look at Microsofts UDRP history here:

http://www.icann.org/cgi-bin/udrp/udrp.cgi?q=microsoft

From that, it seems like they only go after sites trying to present themselves as being directly associated with Microsoft. However, that doesn't mean you won't get a C&D or other nasty stuff. I'd personally avoid any names with any of the big corporations in them.

 

[user-7256]

So would MS****.com be okay?

 

[Keynes]

So would MS****.com be okay?

It depends on the use. If you're intending to promote an "MS" product of theirs, then you still may have issues. While they don't have the term trademarked, they can still win a dispute on the name. In general, I would stay away from it.

 

[user-7256]

Okay, my new question then: Could I register MS****.com for an anti-microsoft site, not advertising or promoting any of their products? Just bashing them?

 

[Keynes]

Okay, my new question then: Could I register MS****.com for an anti-microsoft site, not advertising or promoting any of their products? Just bashing them?

Bad idea. If you're going to do that, use a generic name not even close to one of their TMs. :]

 

[Dave_Z]

Let's put it this way.

Whether you got a microsoft-bearing domain name or not, they can sue you if
they've got grounds for doing so.

 

[user-7256]

Okay, thanks all.

 

[MerchantPinto]

Microsoft is pure evil haha. good luck with your anti microsoft site!

 

[GJ]

If it has anything negitive about Microsoft with Microsoft in the domain then yes, you will be in trouble. If you are saying good things about there product then you won't be in trouble.

 

[netzilla]

I would advise against it because in the end if they really don't want you to use the domain because of TM reasons I bet they end up with it in their domain account

 

[Michelle]

Big BIG no no :lol:

Stay well away it will only end in tears :p