Realtor (Non-USA)

[duoop]

I received the following email earlier today and am wondering where I stand.

I am NOT a US citizen; I am a British citizen. This is why I'm not sure where I stand on this specific trademark. I don't want to disclose the domain (along with my personal information), but I believe that it is somewhat valuable.

Dear X:

It has recently come to the National Association of REALTORS®’s (“NAR”) attention that you registered the X.COMdomain, which improperly incorporates NAR’s registered trademarks. We respectfully request that you immediately cease any use or intended use of the improper domain name.

NAR is the United States’ largest trade association, representing over one million real estate professionals, 54 state and territorial associations and more than 1,300 local associations. NAR is the exclusive owner of the REALTOR®, REALTORS®, REALTOR ASSOCIATE® and REALTOR with Block “R” Logo trademarks (“REALTOR® Marks”). The REALTOR® Marks are federally registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including as collective membership marks. Collective membership marks are a type of trademark that identifies the user as a member of a particular group, in this case a member of NAR.

NAR does not license use of its REALTOR® Marks to non-members. If you are not a member of NAR, your use is not only improper, but it also poses the risk that others may be deceived and assume mistakenly that there is a common source of origin, affiliation or sponsorship of your website by NAR. Furthermore, your use of the REALTOR® Marks may violate NAR’s exclusive rights in its trademarks under state and federal laws.

We would appreciate your cooperation in eliminating this potential conflict. Please confirm you will cease all improper use of the REALTOR® Marks, including, but not limited to, deletion of the domain registration for and removal of the X.COMdomain from all promotional and advertising materials for your business. Many times improper use of the REALTOR® Marks can be cured by substituting the appropriate job title, for example real estate agent or real estate broker.

Please confirm you will comply with our request. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to your prompt reply.

 

[alcy]

i think this can get tricky.
it depnds on locations etc..
of course they won't tell you it can get tricky and just ask you to delete it.

so your domain actually includes the keyword: realtor or realtors is this correct?

 

[duoop]

i think this can get tricky.
it depnds on locations etc..
of course they won't tell you it can get tricky and just ask you to delete it.

so your domain actually includes the keyword: realtor or realtors is this correct?

Sent you a message, stating the domain name.

 

[alcy]

Sent you a message, stating the domain name.

someone else may know more than me on this. in meantime make sure it is not parked and showing any relator or realestate related ads. there are some namebio sales with this keyword also, and google gives various info, hinting how it may be location dependant as well.

good luck!

 

[Kate]

Realtor is indeed TM. This mail is routine, you are not alone. Realtor is an American thing, so if you live in the UK I don't think Realtor is a relevant term anyway. Bottom line: I would drop that domain.