Asking before there is a problem ...

[pam]

I want to register a domain name but don't want to encounter any problems, so am asking for advice beforehand.

The domain name I want is similar to one that is spammed all over the Internet; it's a viable business. I want to replace the first part of the domain name they use with my own product. Neither word is a 'product' and is not trademarked, but it's recognizable.

My domain will do the same thing they do, only on another level (i.e. they sell Toyotas, I sell Motorhomes, both are used to sell a type of vehicle).

Without giving out specifics here, and I realize I'm being vague -- would I be in deep doo-doo if I registered the domain name I wanted?

I'm trying to think of a good example --- hmmm ... let's say the well-known website was 'buyadrink.com'. Let's say buyadrink.com was known all over the world as *the* website to buy drinks online. If I registered 'buyanxrateddrink.com' -- and sold drinks like they did, only x-rated drinks, would I be stepping on any legal toes?

 

[CoolHost.com]

Very vague ... but let me put it to you this way ... IF you were to register say, "DrinkAColdPepsi.com", and then SELL cold pepsi's from the site, my guess is that you'd be in very HOT water. Just one opinion.
Good Luck.

PS. I ain't no lawyer.

 

[pam]

Thanks

The name I want to register is not a trademarked product name. Naturally I'm being vague because I don't want someone to grab the domain I want and hold it for ransom

 

[CoolHost.com]

OK. I think it'll prove very difficult for the legal experts here to provide specific advise about your inquiry WITHOUT the exact domain name. Up to you, but I doubt anyone here would "steal" it ... in my opinion.
Wish you the best with it.

 

[Tippy]

You could PM the Domain name to someone here if you know anyone well enough and trust them.

I'd be happy to take a look and you have my word, I wont reg it.

Mike

 

[pam]

Thank you

You have a PM

 

[Tippy]

You wouldn't have any problems at all but with the spelling, confusion is possible. The name also limits the products/content you could offer at your site. Would a more general term/word be better?

There are no matches on Overture or Google for this term.

Mike

 

[CoolHost.com]

Use "IceOnTheNet.com" ... duh!!
Good Luck.

 

[Ciqala]

Originally posted by pam
If I registered 'buyanxrateddrink.com' -- and sold drinks like they did, only x-rated drinks, would I be stepping on any legal toes?

not sure about the validity of the domain you intend on registering but -RJ- might get mad if you reg buyanxrateddrink as he is trying to corner the market with his gaycola.com :laugh: