Using "gram" in my domain-name? problems?

mrmystic · Nov 7, 2014

Hello. I have a domain name ending in "gram". The project is a social network with photos a little like instagram.
I will not use anything from instagram, but i'm thinking on facebook login to my website -------gram.com and the mobile apps.

But will it give me any problems with the instagram trademark?

Conor · Nov 7, 2014

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the word "gram" isn't trademarked, otherwise half the world would need to start looking for whole new system of measurement.

Although in terms of branding, I suspect you may be on thin ice with the similarities between your site and instagram.

HoNeYBiRD · Nov 7, 2014

this should help:

Code:

https://help.instagram.com/304689166306603/

the following section in particular:

"Naming Applications and Products

If you offer an application, website or product that is compatible with or related to the Instagram service, such as an app or website that uses the Instagram APIs, you may fairly and accurately describe how your application, website or product relates to Instagram. But you may not use the Instagram trademarks in your own brand, or suggest that Instagram sponsors or endorses you or your products.

Don't:
Use "Instagram", "IG", "Insta" or "Gram" in your app or product name or domain name"

Aluminium · Nov 7, 2014

Like Tree said "gram" isn't trademarked, but if you start a site called "rightawaygram" or something than you're probably going to get sued.

Then again, you might not.. flip the coin!

EDIT: @Honeybird, the hell? They trademarked the word "gram" for applications?

ILLERMINATI!

c4rtel · Nov 7, 2014

They don't own "gram".

If I trademark "Candify Sweetvillage Cumguzzler Porkutime"

I don't own "candi" "ify" "sweet" etc. etc.
I own the whole phrase and some obvious derivatives of it.

They will only take interest if you are copying them exactly.

http://www.candygram.com isn't copying them at all.

Tobbe co · Nov 7, 2014

This got me thinking about imgur /a/enTQH

HoNeYBiRD · Nov 7, 2014

sbndnb · Nov 7, 2014

Like c4rtel said, and my lawyer explained nicely the rules regarding this aren't black and white.
Just because you aren't using a trademark in your name doesn't mean you can't be sued for using a similar name (the 'rule' being that potential visitors might be confused and think your services are related) or design (their creative property).

Personally I would avoid launching such a domain/service

mrmystic · Nov 7, 2014

My website and app will be with some of the same functions as instagram, such as camera, user profiles and so,
but will not be compatible with Instagram and will not use the Instagram api.

mrmystic · Nov 7, 2014

mrmystic said:
My website and app will be with some of the same functions as instagram, such as camera, user profiles and so,
but will not be compatible with Instagram and will not use the Instagram api.

So my app and website have actually nothing to do with Instagram, it just have some of the same functions and 'gram' in the name

Using "gram" in my domain-name? problems?

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