.tv Quick question on last names

[MillersCrossing]

I am sure this subject has been dealt with before somewhere, so please forgive me if this has risen to the surface yet again.....

Any TM or its equivelent problems if I reg a last name of say a football star and have a fan site with videos of his greatest moments...........

Do I need permission from the star or his estate (if he is no longer living?)

Thanks

 

[Dr. Mindwrecker]

Thats a tricky one millers,

I saw someone selling a superstar name on godaddy a while back (I think it was terell owens) and I emailed her about it and she said it was legal since it wasnt trademarked. I dont know if she sold it but she was asking 25,000...

I had grabbed one name in .TV and im not sure what I want to do with it.

Im thinking about dumping it...

 

[StoneRoses]

Hi Millers,

I may be able to help on this.

I used to own a site and the name of a very famous footballer, he and his agent knew about the site and we talked regulary,the site was popular, all i had on it was adsense to pay for the upkeep of the site, they liked the site and said it was good to see their client being promoted.
That said,you can never make much money out of it, just enough to sustain the site.
You probably all already know this,but for those new to this, i have given MY personal rules for these such sites, these are in no way the legal requirements and can't be used as an argument to a C&d,however they worked for me.


1. Make sure it is clear on the site that it is UNOFFICIAL FAN SITE.

2.Put up a link to the official site.

3.Contact their agent and tell them your plans,keep the email if they agree it is ok.contact them if you have any future plans you think may infringe on their TM,it is always better to ask first.

4.Don't try and make money using their name,obviously adsense will pay for the site, but trying to make more of it will not do you any favours and is a sure way to eventually get yourself a C&D :imho:

Hope this helps.

Thanks

 

[localexperts]

Do I need permission from the star or his estate (if he is no longer living?)


I'm sure SKG won't mind you putting up a site in his honor Millers. :hehe:

 

[MillersCrossing]

Do I need permission from the star or his estate (if he is no longer living?)


I'm sure SKG won't mind you putting up a site in his honor Millers. :hehe:

Thought about it........but obviously SKG has some die hard fans since 2002, that is when his last name was regged....!!