Un-trademarked companies and a similar domain

[rruler]

Hi everyone,

I know trademarked names are a big nono, but what if you own domains that have the name of a business + a generic product? Imagine for example "JohnTime" sells watches, and you own "JohnTimewatches.com"

Is it a horrible idea to contact JohnTime and offer them the domain? What are the dangers? How do i triple check their name or business is not trademarked? Any suggestions / insight welcome....

Thanks!

 

[WhiteCloud]

If your intention is to resell the domain name I would suggest staying away from trademarks altogether. Also, even if the business has not filed for a trademark they still have rights to the name in their field.

You can use the USPTO TESS database to search U.S. trademarks, http://tess2.uspto.gov/. Others here suggest trademarkia.com as well.

 

[Kate]

Yes, I think it's a bad idea. These names are not generic. And actually it doesn't matter if these names are TM or not, nobody likes being sold their own name.