Can I register a domain from a company?

[BobTheSnail181999]

Can I register the domain name from a company?

For instance, a small-medium sized company named example uses example.com. The domain has been inactive for the past year, can I register and use example.com or do I have anything to worry about?

I'm not intending to impersonate them or anything, I'd just like to do my own thing on the domain because it sounds great.

 

[jefis]

Yes, you can. No problem.

 

[3bisu]

Can I register the domain name from a company?

For instance, a small-medium sized company named example uses example.com. The domain has been inactive for the past year, can I register and use example.com or do I have anything to worry about?

I'm not intending to impersonate them or anything, I'd just like to do my own thing on the domain because it sounds great.

Yes if you are not impersonating them it's fine

 

[dandan594594]

I'd double check if the company name is copyrighted first. Just because they are not using the domain, doesn't mean they aren't using the name.

 

[kingvestor]

Check if there is any brand rights linked to the website, a company may have a brand rights in x media but dont have in another

 

[BobTheSnail181999]

Check if there is any brand rights linked to the website, a company may have a brand rights in x media but dont have in another

How do I check that?

I'd double check if the company name is copyrighted first. Just because they are not using the domain, doesn't mean they aren't using the name.

I just checked and it seems that only their logo is copyrighted for 4 more years. I don't intend on using it though so that shouldn't be a problem.
I checked on USPTO (TESS). The only copyright seems to be the logo, it says this : " Mark Drawing Code (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS"

So, if I'm understanding this correctly, I can use the domain without any problems as long as I don't pretend to be them?

 

[bartosimpsonio]

If someone owns the trademark they can take your site down later.

Don't risk it.

 

[BobTheSnail181999]

If someone owns the trademark they can take your site down later.

Don't risk it.

But the trademark only seems to cover the logo and this company isn't around anymore.
For example, steam (sharing games from Valve) doesn't own steam.com

 

[dandan594594]

Well, if your going to risk it, make sure to keep well prepped back ups and learn how to do a full domain redirect.

Then if you run in to legal issues move everything to a new domain and 301.

 

[Deleted member 1393709]

If the company isn't registrated or they are in company dissolution, yes you can do it.

Make sure you register the company, if you don't want. No problem.

Always use Njal.la for register the domain, is quite expensive but increases your privacy and avoid takedowns.

 

[bartosimpsonio]

But the trademark only seems to cover the logo and this company isn't around anymore.
For example, steam (sharing games from Valve) doesn't own steam.com

Steam is a dictionary word so they probably can get away with it if not in the same niche.