Posts Tagged ‘legal’

I got a question that I wanted to address here in the blog so everyone else can follow along.

“Hi Tiffany,
Yes I bought IPK and I love it. I just have a question for you–if you can spare a few minutes. I know I’ll be working on IPK all day (I took a sick day off from work!) What are your thoughts on using domain names with product/company names in them? I understand the 007 model number strategy but on several occasions full product names are used such as http://www.nintendo-ds-lite-pink.co.us. I’ve always been told this is a big no-no because of potential legal issues. Can we get sued for doing this or do companies simply ask you to stop using the domain name if they don’t like it? I know you can’t give me advice but was just hoping I could get your opinion.
Thanks
Amanda”

Okay so here’s my belief – and I’m no lawyer, so if you want solid legal advice, consult an attorney. But I think for THIS purpose, we’re fine. All we’re really doing is shuttling customers to buy from the main company. If they had wanted to, they could have grabbed all sorts of domains with their products in them.

Now if you happened to scoop up FisherPrice.com before they did, I’m sure you’d have a problem. I believe the protocol is that they ask you to stop using the domain if they want you to. Then if you don’t, they could threaten legal action, etc.

But seriously, I am not worried one iota. I’ll also invite the product owner to stop by if he wants to in order to address questions here. So ask in the comments area and if I get him here, he can give you his insight too.
Tiff