What risk of marketing a generic.com?

**Chappy** · 01-06-2009, 01:21 AM

Hypothetical situation:

I own the name sushi.com. I planned to develop it but now have chosen to focus my resources on other projects. The name simply has a "Sushi: coming soon" banner at present.
I would like to offer the name to reputable sushi restaurant chains, many of which have the word 'sushi' in their trademarked names.

Good idea? Bad idea? Risks?

Thanks

**lordbyroniv** · 01-06-2009, 01:34 AM

Sell it to me

**EnricoSchaefer** · 01-08-2009, 05:23 PM

You should be clear since I doubt anyone has trademarked the word sushi in and of itself. It is also likely that any registered trademarks using the word 'sushi' had to disclaim the word from the mark. If you plan on spending some buck, you might want to poke around a little to make sure there are no obvious traps out there and to review your planned use. Feel free to send me an email at the below addi for for more info.

Enrico Schaefer, Attorney
Trademark, Domain Name Dispute & Cybersquatting Attorney
enrico [@] traverselegal.com

**Dale Hubbard** · 01-08-2009, 05:26 PM

You have no risk at all in developing this IMHO. There's no TM on such a generic. I suggest you do what you like with it. Good luck!

**EnricoSchaefer** · 01-08-2009, 05:35 PM

You have no risk at all in developing this IMHO. There's no TM on such a generic. I suggest you do what you like with it. Good luck!

Did you see the classmates-forum.com decision? Yikes! Trademarks Trademarks everywhere!!!

**DomainsInc** · 01-08-2009, 05:35 PM

The word isn't actually sushi, though I can guess what it is as I've come across it before

I can't see any TM's being an issue.

**TheLegendaryJP** · 01-08-2009, 05:37 PM

So basically you can develope it but avoid the whole food/fish thing

lol

**Compassion** · 01-08-2009, 05:38 PM

Likely should be fine imo

but not knowing the word we can't say for sure.

**TheLegendaryJP** · 01-08-2009, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by DomainsInc

The word isn't actually sushi, though I can guess what it is as I've come across it before

I can't see any TM's being an issue.

I see now

hypothetical situation

Well now that that is clear all the advice is usueless unless we know the actual name, it makes a difference. Is it stricklty a food product/dish or is it used for other industry etc.

**Dale Hubbard** · 01-08-2009, 05:42 PM

Useless unless we know the name. Sushi.com would have no problems at all.

**dmyre** · 01-08-2009, 05:46 PM

Knowing the keyword would be helpful.

What about something more specific, but also generic like DallasCowboys.com?
Could that be used for something like selling western wear?