My town name question

[SimpleDomaining]

Hello. I got an unusual question. If a small town where i live had been built by one builder, and name of town is a builders/developers trademark, can i use that name in a domain name with word combinations like "town name"+"directory".com?

 

[Alan Glennon]

(Disclaimer ---> I'm not a lawyer, and this is just my opinion).

Pretty touchy. If the postal service is using the name (like Happyville, Texas), then their Trademark is becoming diluted. However, it is still valid. The trademark holder can try to defend their trademark, and the case would need to be examined based on the details (your intentions, overlaps with their business, etc). If I registered HappyvilleChat.com and used it to chat among my neighbors, I would probably be able to win any challenges -- that is, I would have a vested interest in the domain and would be using it in good faith. If I registered HappyvilleBuilders.com and I lived in another state, I would lose.

If you think there is very high value in your potential name(s), consult a lawyer.

 

[SimpleDomaining]

thanks for answer. yes i live in this town. and i am creating a site with listing of businesses operating in this town, and will have a classifieds for people who live in this town. so name is going to be used in good faith. is tm in this case is something to be worry about?