Proper name

Question about usage of a proper name in a domain

[rodbakeriii]

I discoverd this forum today, VERY fascinating topics. So I registered, and wanted to get a question in from some of you knowledgeable people.

I registered the proper name of a candidate for the head coach of my Division I college alma mater. Turns out he got the job.

Right now, during the summer, there isn't/won't be a lot of interest. But I know that during the fall, there will be a huge amount of natural interest...this is a college from a major conference. This person's name will be mentioned regionally and sometimes nationally.

I also want to make sure I'm not going to get in any trouble for having this name. I plan to make the site a 'fan site'. The coach also played ball during the same time I attended the school, so I wanted to have the site highlight some of his acheivements.

I did a little online research, and there seems to be some differing opinions on this. I am not acting maliciously towards this person, or the school (in fact if a rival had gotten hold of it, they could have made things look bad for both). I'm also not necessarily looking to profit from it...but if the school and/or coach came calling with an offer, I have to admit I wouldn't ignore it.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Corey Bryant]

You should be fine. Some courts have rules that stars' names are trademarked so that might be what you are thinking of.

-Corey

[j4mes]

IANAL, but I reckon so long as it's a fan site or similar, and you aren't just squatting for ad profit, then I can't see any problems.

J.

[Dijkgraaf]

You could always get him on board, let him know what you intend to do and he might even help you (at least to the point of giving feedback).

[rodbakeriii]

Dijkgraaf,

That's not a bad idea at all! I do have contacts that will let me have relatively easy access to this person. I'll definitely follow up on that!

[Webwork]

Good karma: Offer it to the gentleman, for the registration fee. You never know. He might return the favor in some way.

Bad karma: Profit on his good name, even if you call it a fan site. Once you start making money on his good name you open up a can of worms. Read some WIPO opinions for a bit of education.