Domain Name Legal Issue

Wrong domain can cost, but is this wrong?

[my2cents]

I’m not asking for legal advice, just for your thoughts. So, having said that, here is my question.

I want to register a domain name, such as (BrandName)healthissues.com, is this legal or could I get into trouble because I am using >a trademarked brand name> in my domain name?

The site will be centered around health issues of <brand name beverage>, etc.

I don't want to put time and effort into something that I'll have to give up later.

Thanks!

[edited by: Webwork at 8:12 pm (utc) on April 14, 2006]
[edit reason] Charter [webmasterworld.com] [/edit]

[Webwork]

Is this a work that is undertaken out of the goodness of your heart and a concern for the welfare of others OR do you plan to have this website make money? You see, using someone's trademark as part of a moneymaking scheme tends to annoy them. Ask Coca-Cola or Mattel of Barbie fame. If you're not going to be making money from your website at BrandNameHealthIssue.com you might lower the odds that you will get hammered in a legal proceeding.

What should you do? Ask the brand name holder, unless you're afraid they won't approve.

If you're not asking because you're afraid they won't approve then you already have your answer . . . or . . you have nothing to lose by asking, since you already assume they'll say "no".

Plan B, asking webmasters to encourage you, won't stop the C&D letter from issuing or won't be a defense should the trademark holder simply choose to add your name to a multi-party lawsuit, taking on all the people who have violated their trademark.

[shoreline]

That pretty much sums it up!