Register Trade Mark with Domain

Register Trade Mark

[adisakmai]

Dear. All

I want to register exampleFoo.com, or exampleBar.com .

Can I register, because example.com has a trade mark?

Many Thank
Mai

[edited by: Brett_Tabke at 4:19 pm (utc) on April 15, 2004]
[edit reason] examplified. [/edit]

[ritch_b]

You can register any domain you like, but registering a domain that bears a strong resemblance to a trademarked name or phrase will most likely see you on the receiving end of a 'cease and desist' notification at some point.

For example, registering mcdonalds-diving.com isn't likely to be a problem. Yes, McDonalds is trademarked by that well know fast-food chain, but if your name is Mr. McDonald and you're in the business of supplying diving equipment, this shouldn't raise any problems.

Registering mcdonalds-restaurants.com is a different ballgame though, as it uses the name of the previously mentioned fast-food chain and also the word restaurant, which is obviously the area in which the fast-food chain operates. It would be easy for them to say you had registered the domain name in bad faith and they would have a strong case against you; it may be hard for you to prove otherwise.

In short, you need to use your head! Registering a domain name that is very obviously similar to a trademark may not be the best idea, as some companies are very protective of their trademarks when it comes to domain names!

R.