Newbie needs major help!

[Broker]

Hi all, need a little help. How can I tell if a certain someones name is trademarked? I typed it into the us trademark site and came back as zero result?

Also, I have no idea why, but i just registered 10 domains with godaddy all in spanish ending in .com Good idea or no? I'm new to all of this and just taking a chance. Have no clue what i'm doing hence my username

For an example of what I bought. Had a spanish guy in work translate a whole bunch of different/popular american domains into spanish for me. Probably wasted $100.00 but lifes short right?

So these are now sitting with godaddy, can I move them over to sedo? And if so, do these "new" spanish domains of mine need a website behind them? Or can I just let them sit?

Like I said, I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing and zero experience with buying/selling domains, designing websites, programming, keywords etc. I'm just a lowly construction worker with shallow pockets and big dreams.

All constructive feedback very appreciated!

Thanks!
Rob............

 

[Phronesis]

You can park them for free. Read this Domain Parking

[shamelss plug :red: ]

 

[Broker]

Thanks, a good read. Still would like more advice on my original post please.

Also, I have what I believe to be an excellent idea for a website. Not knowing any web designers, lawyers etc, where would I go to put forth my idea without getting it ripped off?

Thanks,
Rob.......

 

[EdwinJ]

You can check US trademarks here.
http://www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm
If zero results, good chance the word is not trademarked.

But if you're talking about a famous person's name, obviously it' isn't a good idea to register a name you have no right to own.

If you'd like to park your names at sedo, there's no need to 'MOVE' your domain from godaddy. You simply access and change your nameservers to ns1.sedoparking.com & ns2.sedoparking.com. Also don't forget to list your domain at sedo listings.

 

[Broker]

Thank you,

Yes the person is pretty famous. Very wealthy and well known in the sports and medical feild. Without giving names his firstlast name.com are his. EX-(joesmith.com) I used his first and last name plus another word.com The other word will go unamed. But he is embarking on a big investment deal with another very very well known person. The last word reflects the biz they are partnering up on.

I also registered his full name with .net.biz.info. The real kicker is, he is a local guy who is somewhat friends with my old man and other local politicians I'm wondering if by me doing this it may be worth it for him to purchase these back? And I cant help but wonder why he didnt register them first? I feel like a bad bad person, but you can not get blood from a stone

 

[fonzie_007]

Before you start delving into "risky" ventures, I would highly recommend you stick around this forum for a few weeks, read posts, educate yourself, and then think about proceeding on your ventures.

 

[Broker]

Thanks fonz, correct if I'm wrong. But without a proper trademark I am within my rights no?

Besides, if anything went bad I'm positive it would be forgotten and laughed about. Like I said, he's famous but a friend. And I wouldnt do this to anyone else. I just walked through an open door is all.

rob.........

 

[EdwinJ]

Thank you,

Yes the person is pretty famous. Very wealthy and well known in the sports and medical feild....

Not a good idea, man. That's what is known as cyber-squatting and is usually frowned upon.

 

[Broker]

Not a good idea, man. That's what is known as cyber-squatting and is usually frowned upon.

Yeah i know, I'm just gonna sit on them for now and see how it plays out. Should get a chuckle out of it anyway in the future. Besides, my old man wouldnt have thought it was funny and allowed me to do it if he thought the $%#@ would hit the fan eventually. We're a humerous bunch on this end Just our way of saying hi since we havent seen him in awhile.

Also, i parked a domain at sedo but its still showing up at godaddy. any help?

Just found this-

Cybersquatting is a derogatory term used to describe the practice of registering and claiming rights over Internet domain names that are, arguably, not for the taking. The cybersquatter then offers the domain to the person or company who owns a trademark contained within the name at an inflated price, an act which some deem to be extortion.

Cybersquatters usually ask for prices far greater than that at which they purchased it. Some cybersquatters put up derogatory remarks about the person or company the domain is meant to represent in an effort to encourage the subject to buy the domain from them.


That said, with no trademark and open .biz.info etc, was it for the taking? I am certainly not going anywhere near paragraph number two. Not my style!

 

[IAmAllanShore]

clueless-
Having a registered/filed trademark is not a necessary condition for having an effective TM.

How can I check to see if a name is trademarked? / Where to check if a name is trademarked?
The first and easiest option is to go to USPTO.gov and use the "Basic Search" to see if the word / term / phrase is trademarked. This, however, is not conclusive. One does not have to officially file for a TM with the U.S. government in order to have an effectual trademark.
Because of this fact, google.com could arguably be the best way to check if you would be infringing on someone else's TM with your possible domain name or service. Simply type in the name, and see if that name is distinctively associated with a particular entity within a specific class of goods or services.

When can I use someone else's TM in my Domain Name?
Consistent with the limited nature of trademark protection and the free speech guarantees of the First Amendment, U.S. law provides for a fair use defense to trademark infringement comparable to that under copyright law. The two main categories of protected usage are nominative--using the trademark to actually refer to the trademarked product or trademark owner; and usage of the mark in its common sense, such as a descriptive word or common and unoriginal symbol. For example, Pepsi advertisements may use Coca Cola's trademark when making comparisions to Pepsi products. These uses are still subject to the requirement that there be no consumer confusion as to source or sponsorship. Trademarks may also be lawfully used in parodies, since in that case there is usually no likelihood of confusion.

Also, if this individual is buddy/buddy with your old man, I'd be twice as cautious as I can't imagine it would help your dad out in any way (AKA: Might damage that relationship if Mr. Famous found out you've been treading on his name, etc.).

-Allan

 

[Broker]

Wow, cant say that I dont feel like I've been completely bashed into the ground here. Understood, thanks!

 

[IAmAllanShore]

Wow, cant say that I dont feel like I've been completely bashed into the ground here. Understood, thanks!

Not trying to "bash" anyone, clueless. Just making sure that you understand the complete picture

All is well, and if nothing else it is a good sign that you had the sense to inquire regarding your questions.

Best of luck,

-Allan :gl:

 

[Broker]

So what do I do now? Call him and tell him about these registered sites? Id really hate to see someone else come along and do what I did but without good intentions.

 

[IAmAllanShore]

You might talk to your dad and see what he says; I can't speak to this specific incident.
-Allan

 

[Phronesis]

Why don't you tell him you registered the sites for him and push them to him for free? He'll think you're a great guy and give you a jillion dollars. :hehe: