Legal Question in Business Law in California

Domain Name

I own a domain name which is a company name, but with an added phrase.For example, there are some called bmwforum, or bmwblog, or googleforum. All with a dot com..How would I develop this and not run into problems with the main company. What if I contact the owner of the original domain like if it was BMWblog, contact BMW headquarters about selling it to them or just asking for permission to develop, or I dont need permission...And its not BMW Just giving as an example!

Thanks


Asked on 3/01/09, 10:25 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Domain Name

It doesn't matter what you do, you'll 'run into' legal problems if using trade names and trademarks as part of your name without proper consent. Negotiate a license for their use, or you'll be sued. Feel free to contact me if serious about getting legal help.

Read more
Answered on 3/02/09, 3:06 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Domain Name

Since you don't have the money to litigate against a big corporation, they will steamroller you. The only exception might be if you run a business which is necessarily tied into the company's products, such as "Fred's Independent BMW Repair."

Read more
Answered on 3/01/09, 10:43 pm
Robert Preskill Robert Preskill

Re: Domain Name

Calling the owner to ask if they will buy it (or asking for permission t keep it) sounds like a bad business model and is generally unadvisable. For more information, check into cybersquatting laws or make an appointment with a lawyer.

Read more
Answered on 3/02/09, 2:12 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in California