Using a persons name in a website name?

[DebtFreeMe]

Hey all,

I know that using trademarked names is a bad idea, like Ford, Pepsi, etc. but is it illegal to use a persons name in a website name? Are there any legal issues with this. like if I wanted to target people that are fans of Alex Tribeck would there be a problem with AlexTribeckisthebest.c*m?

Thanks, just doing a little brain storming...

 

[domainrunner]

I think that would be a gray area, i know facebook has started cracking down on the facebooksucks dizot cizom etc.. but thats not a name and its a negative connotation. In your case if its a fansite I think you will be ok. Just at the bottom i would create a little blurb saying like ' this is not alex trebeks site, we are a fan site, nothing more nothing less'

Hope that helps ya

 

[therealmadhatter]

Dont think thats a problem

 

[ivictus]

I have a site like this. In general it is not a problem. Of course if they wanted to be a dick they could easily go after you and take your domain, if it is about them AND it has any type of revenue. If it is a fan (or hater) site without any ads they cannot take it but you still might face legal action if it is a hater site.

Mostly though it is bad PR for any one to go after a site owned by one of their fans so if you keep it positive you will never have a problem.

 

[tukim]

...if you keep it positive you will never have a problem.

Don't even have to keep it positive, Fair Use will back people because of free speech, parody cases, etc.

 

[ivictus]

That's true but even with fair use you don't want to have to hire a lawyer to defend it when it can be avoided.

 

[domainrunner]

With the addition of UDRP its much much easier for a celeb or any one with decent cause to yank the name from under you by filing out a simple UDRP to ICANN. But I def agree if you keep it positive and harmless Alex Trebek will enjoy the fan fare and wont take any action against your fan site

 

[DebtFreeMe]

Cool thanks all, that is basically what I needed to know.