"Name of celebrity + nude.com" = problems? Fines? Restitution?

[MeanerDomainer]

Hi,
I'm new and before doing any research I registered a few .com domains that include names of working and living female movie stars followed by words like nude, topless, etc.
I have learned since then that the name of a celebrity is considered a common law trademark.
I also found out that I registered these domains "in bad faith" since my plan was to run ads on the sites or sell them if I could find a buyer.
I understand that the resolution process could require me to surrender the domains to the trademark holders.
I am located in the US and the celebs most live in California, I believe. Could I be ordered to pay legal fees or civil or criminal penalties to the trademark owners? What if I surrender the domains to the trademark owners immediately if they approached me?
Is my best approach to cancel the registrations and look for non-trademarked names? I don't want legal hassles, I have job and a life that already keep me bysy.
Thanks!

 

[DNQuest.com]

Yes, canceling them is a good first step. As far as being contacted, if you are, just give up the names. Usually, they just want the names, but there is a slim chance they could take you to court under the ACPA and claim damages. But that is very slim.

You took the first step in researching, believe me, we all took the same route with TMs. Welcome aboard.

 

[Dave_Z]

Could I be ordered to pay legal fees or civil or criminal penalties to the trademark owners? What if I surrender the domains to the trademark owners immediately if they approached me?
Is my best approach to cancel the registrations and look for non-trademarked names?

If you lost a suit involving monetary damages, yup. They can sue you if they
want to, but they might be placated if you gave the domain name/s to them.

The best approach is to stay away from trademarks if it can be helped.

 

[IAmAllanShore]

The best approach is to stay away from trademarks if it can be helped.

:bingo:

If you registered the domain names very recently (4-5 days) you can try to get some/most of your money back from some registrars (Moniker, GoDaddy, etc.).

-Allan :gl:

 

[MeanerDomainer]

Thank you for your help. I will take the cancellation route.
I wonder if a case has been tested yet in which only the last name a celeb was used such as "Beckham"? (I know, it's not likely to drive in much direct navigation traffic without the first name)
Thanks!

 

[IAmAllanShore]

Yes, http://domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/198936.htm , using a last name alone is not protection, especially considering the usage. However, I think that this is most boring to me (First result for "beckham topless"): http://www.bloganything.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/david_beckham-shirtless.jpg
But whatever floats your boat, I suppose

-Allan :gl:

 

[MeanerDomainer]

Funny! 'Beckhamtopless.com" is definitely not for me.
I'm going to stay away from all trademarks and last names.
I registered mine through 1and1.com. The first person I talked to at 1and1.com told me that they have a 90 day money back on domain names in case you cancel. Sounded way too good considering the kind of domain tasting that would facilitate. The second person said no grace period for domain names other than 24 hours for misspellings.

Wow, it appears to be a pain to cancel domains with 1and1.com. I even have to send them faxes with my signature on them. Funny how they didn't require any faxes to sell me the domains. Scam. :td:

 

[Dave_Z]

Wow, it appears to be a pain to cancel domains with 1and1.com. I even have to send them faxes with my signature on them. Funny how they didn't require any faxes to sell me the domains. Scam. :td:

While I realize that's how you feel about it, it's not a scam.

AFAIR Network Solutions also requires a fax to delete a paid domain name that
is beyond its first 120 hours.

 

[bluesman]

Aw, nuts! Now what the heck am I gonna do with my new Ad Senseless-loaded domain page for JOANRIVERSNUDE.COM ?!

(And it was just starting to get some real good traffic, too - the "Can we twawk - in the nude?" section was going great guns.)

Guess I'll just have to eat her - I mean it!