Question

[BornAgainSinner]

Thisis a two part questiona nd i would apprecaite your advice.

Can I register DotComWidgets.com

1) Am i allowed to because apparently "Dot Com" is a registered word.

2) Someone owns WidgetsDotCom.com,a nd although hasn't trademarked it, are well established.

Any ideas?

[davezan]

Note that this is a tech forum, not a legal forum. And you're asking potentially legal questions. :)

But here are some short answers anyway:

Can I register DotComWidgets.com

1) Am i allowed to because apparently "Dot Com" is a registered word.

Register at your own risk.

2) Someone owns WidgetsDotCom.com,a nd although hasn't trademarked it, are well established.

If they can prove common law rights, yup.

But again, only a qualified attorney can answer that.

[Webwork]

If someone tried to C&D me, because I made use of "their dot com trademark" I'd tap dance on their head, all the way to the Supreme Court if pushed. Their so-called mark is just a little bit diluted and post registration actions - such as widespread generic use of the word/phrase - can thwart a claim to exclusivity or control. They'd have to write one helluva lot of C&D letters, ya know? Just ask the makers of Spam in a can.

This isn't an answer to your question, though. It's simply what I'd do since I wouldn't have to pay a lawyer. I am one. You, unfortunately, are on your own with this issue, unless your brother-in-law is a lawyer. ;0)