Trademarked Domain Names

If it's available, can I buy and use it?

[PyrettaBlaze]

I want to purchase a domain name. I've already checked and it's available...the only thing is, it's a song name. Since the band who wrote the song has rights to the song name, is it legal for me to buy the domain name?
Just wondering...
Thanks

[PyrettaBlaze]

P.S. It's not for a business website or anything, just personal, like a blog or photo page.

[imstillatwork]

It's very legal to buy the name. It's also very legal for them to try to get it from you.

[PyrettaBlaze]

Really? What about copyright laws?

[tedster]

Copyright laws are not written in black and white, but various shadings instead. Just consider the various ways that supermarkets use the word "Apple" and Macintosh can't stop them ;)

That gray area is why lawyers have jobs and why we ask that this forum not be used for legal advice.

[imstillatwork]

the reason i was so quick to say it is legal, is because most song names are nothin but common phrases or words, not proper names or anything like that.

[Webwork]

Do a little research about whether publishers can claim copyright in "titles", such a book titles, song titles, etc.

Do the research and report back.

I vaguely recall there being some limitations, i.e., if I name my book/song "I Did it for Love", I don't get to claim exclusive rights.

Now, on the other hand, if you're going to take their song title as a website name and then attempt to profit based upon the popularity of their song you may find yourself subject to other claims besides copyright.

So, do a little research and report back. Get a little, give a little. ;0)