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macbook in domain title?

Discussion in 'New Domainers' started by pbryd, Aug 17, 2010.

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  1. pbryd United Kingdom

    pbryd Active Member

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    Would you get into trouble if you registered a domain with macbook in the url and set up a store selling macs?

    I suspect Apple wouldn't be too happy but I thought i'd ask you guys.

    Phil
     
  2. Domain Forum

    Acorn Domains Elite Member

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    IWA Meetup
     
  3. WigWam

    WigWam Well-Known Member

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    To put it simply... yes

    WigWam ;)
     
  4. pbryd United Kingdom

    pbryd Active Member

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    okey dokey :wink:
     
  5. GreyWing

    GreyWing Well-Known Member

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    Depends what it is mate, if it is OfficialMacbookshere.co.uk then yep they will be pissed.

    If it is Macbooksucks.co.uk then nothing they can do and you are entitled to your opinion.

    Basically if it is anything that causes anytype of confusion that you are officially linked to the macbook then forget it.
     
  6. Ashton Canada

    Ashton Well-Known Member

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    What if he was an authorised reseller? Hmm
     
  7. GreyWing

    GreyWing Well-Known Member

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    Then I'm sure he would be asking those that authorised him and not acorn domains.... just a guess though.
     
  8. accelerator United Kingdom

    accelerator Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't register a domain with macbook in unless I had express permission from Apple first. You'll see at ipo.gov.uk that they have the term trademarked. Personally I think it's unlikely you would be granted permission, but there's no harm in asking, they can only say no.

    Rgds
     
  9. accelerator United Kingdom

    accelerator Well-Known Member

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    So you're saying as long as your domain clearly communicates that you are in no way related to the trademark holder, it's ok to reg it? It seems strange that you can register something like Macbooksucks.co.uk, when it would be used to talk about a product that they have a trademark on.

    Rgds
     
  10. namealot United Kingdom

    namealot Well-Known Member

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    It’s a fine line…. but you are entitled to your free speech/opinion..? You could have a site i.e. howifindusingamacbook.whatever offering your experience of using one but cannot sell / advertise anything related to it or its competitors also beware of libel they often argue its stated or implied to be factual (groundless criticism) or a tort (defamation etc ).. check out the "McLibel case"? Then expect to get those legal letters dropping through your door…..?
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2010
  11. illtemper

    illtemper Active Member

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    Take a look at: http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/guidelinesfor3rdparties.html

    I run a couple of fan sites that contain apple trademarks in the domain that have been approved into the affiliate schemes, but you are treading a thin line.
     
  12. willbon

    willbon Active Member

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    Apparently you can have MacCharlie but you can't have MacCharleston.

    Lol

    Incidentally you're safe with MacSupport though! phew!
     
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