TM issues with pro sports?

[mbuna]

Are there TM issues with names like thebengals.com or theyankees.com?

 

[DNQuest.com]

read my sig...

 

[mbuna]

Thanks, I've read through most of the pertaining posts already. I guess I should clarify. I'm more intersted in if the site name would be a TM infringement.

Meaning does the NFL have each team name trademarked IE: Patriots

I could see an issue with TheNewEnglandPatriots.com but what about ThePatriots.com?

If it's a generic name, am I correct in assuming that if the content reflects the TM usage of the word that then there are TM issue?

Again in the same example if thepatriots.com has information on american soldiers then it's no issue, but if it has nfl information then there would be an issue?

 

[labrocca]

Yes 100% if you use the domain in relation to sports.

 

[mbuna]

Thanks Jesse.

I noticed many nfl teams have sites that are redirected to ebay or parked (thepackers.com, thevikings.com, etc.) I wonder how much longer before the NFL starts cracking down.

 

[DNQuest.com]

That is where to problem comes in. If a TM holder does not crack down and protect their TM, it only encourages more squatters to surface. I actually thought NFL Properties were aggresive in their marks, but thinking back, I can't recall a UDRP involving them, or any other sport.

But for the purpose on this thread, a true fansite= should be ok, anything other than a true fansite=not should be ok.

 

[mbuna]

Thanks DNQ.