macbook in domain title?

[pbryd]

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

 

[WigWam]

To put it simply... yes

WigWam

 

[pbryd]

okey dokey :wink:

 

[GreyWing]

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.

 

[Ashton]

What if he was an authorised reseller? Hmm

 

[GreyWing]

What if he was an authorised reseller? Hmm

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

 

[accelerator]

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

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

 

[accelerator]

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.

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

 

[namealot]

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…..?

 

[illtemper]

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

Websites:
1. Company, Product, or Service Name: You may not use or register, in whole or in part, Apple, iPod, iTunes, Macintosh, iMac, or any other Apple trademark, including Apple-owned graphic symbols, logos, icons, or an alteration thereof, as or as part of a company name, trade name, product name, or service name except as specifically noted in these guidelines.

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.

 

[willbon]

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

Lol

Incidentally you're safe with MacSupport though! phew!