Avoiding Trademark Infringement When Choosing a Domain Name



Many webmasters erroneously believe that just because their domain name registrar says a particular domain name is 'available' that it truly is. This is not necessarily so. Even if a domain name is physically available, it may not legally be open for use. Why? It's because there might already be a company that has the rights to the keywords used within the domain name.

If this happens yet the webmaster claims the domain name anyway, they are at risk of losing it through a domain name arbitration proceeding. They could even be charged with trademark/copyright infringement if things get really ugly. For this reason it's best to make sure the keywords used in a domain name aren't protected for someone else. This article will explain how webmasters can make such a determination.

First, webmasters need to check and see if their chosen domain name resembles any existing trademark that is on the books. They will want to do this before actually investing any money in the domain name. To search existing trademarks, webmasters can visit the website of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office which is USPTO.gov. From here they can search a database that contains current trademarks as well as those that are pending.

If a domain name is similar to a registered or pending trademark, webmasters need to evaluate whether the domain name is still worth taking. Usually, if a site is not selling the same types of merchandise or services that the other business is selling and the trademark is not popular, a webmaster probably won't get into legal trouble if they decide to go on and register the domain name. To be completely sure, webmasters can run the domain name by a trademark attorney. It shouldn't cost too much for an hour consultation.

Of course, if a webmaster would prefer zero percent risk, they can simply try to think of another domain name. When they go about doing this, they need to be more generic and less creative in what they come up with. Using search engine keywords for a domain name is one such strategy. Webmasters can also look into using dictionary terms. If all else fails they can take a generic term and combine it with a term that is less likely to be taken, such as their first and last name.

Either way, once a suitable domain name has been chosen, webmasters should consider getting it trademarked themselves, especially if they are using it to help brand their business. With an official trademark, a webmaster has more legal power should another company try to take them to court. And since there's no shortage of domain name bullies, (companies that try to steal profitable domain names from smaller enterprises), a webmaster should use all legal avenues available to protect the rights of their business.

In conclusion, by checking whether or not a domain name has keywords that are part of a trademark, webmasters lessen the risk that they will have legal problems in the future. If there are problems, and a domain name arbitration proceeding does not rule in a webmaster's favor, they can turn to The Domain Name Rights Coalition.


About The Author


I'm Felicita Vazquez, Marketing Specialist & Internet Network
Marketing Business Coach assisting beginners and leaders to
attract prospects to them & create a positive cash flow.
I'm the founder and editor of:
Success Blog
Expert Adware Spyware
Healthy Magazine
Baby Shower Ideas
Expert Fitness
Expert Horse Training
Successful Reign Blog
Healthy Reign Blog.
I'm also the publisher of:
Domain Name
Paralegal
Quick And Easy Recipes.
I'm seriously involve in the internet opportunity with several programs
I already joined. They are GREAT.
Besides that she would like to share these great opportunity with
those that are willing to joint me as a partner at any of the program.
I'm here to become the nicest friend everyone can get, and for those
who want to have a strong friendship with me I can assure them they
will be pleased in making that right decision.
I'm the owner of A Queen Style a boutique in Puerto Rico dedicate
to dress all sizes of women, specially the Plus sizes.
Right now I obtained the privilege to have the Crown of Mrs. Puerto Rico
Latin Plus which is one of my latest achievement.
I'm an excellent mother of 14 year boy and a lovely wife for my husband.
‘Everything you face can’t be changed,
but nothing can change until you face it.’
Felicita Vazquez

Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Domain Name Tasting
Domain Name Generators
Get Traffic With Expired Domain Names
Domain Names 101
Hyphenated Domain Names
Domain Name Servers: The Basics
Cheap Domain Names
Is The .Com Overrated?
Domain Name Arbitration
Choosing The Right Domain Name
Avoiding Trademark Infringement When Choosing A Domain Name
Misspelled Domain Names
Cybersquatting And Your Domain Name
Internationalized Domain Names And Homograph Attacks
Third Level Domain Name
Scam Domain Names
Transferring Domain Names
Domain Name Redirect Services
Free Domain Names
Bulk Domain Name Registration
Making Money Selling Domain Names
Local Marketing With Geodomains
Domain Name Hacks
Yahoo Domain Names






My Articles


Domain Names 101 Without a domain name, websites are specified by an IP..


Domain Name Servers: The Basics Technically, domain names aren't necessary to access a..


Avoiding Trademark Infringement When Choosing A Domain Name Many webmasters erroneously believe that just because their domain name..


Cybersquatting And Your Domain Name When it comes to domain names, don't think that you only need to worry..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
25 years of .com domain names - San Francisco Chronicle

    

25 years of .com domain names
San Francisco Chronicle
In 1985, only six entities registered a .com, one of six top-level domain names created a year earlier in a reorganization of the early Internet's naming ...
VeriSign to spend more than $300M on tech upgradesLas Vegas Sun

all 2 news articles »



three businessmen quick to jump on city domain names - New York Daily News

    

New York Daily News

three businessmen quick to jump on city domain names
New York Daily News
They don't own mansions and skyscrapers; they control domain names. Cahill, a firefighter, bought Statenisland.com for $30000 seven years ago. ...
Larry Fischer and Leland Hardy Featured in New York Daily News ArticleElliot's Blog (blog)
Owner of Newyork.com Will Make Millions When He SellsGothamist

all 4 news articles »