Noob question about possible trademark??

[u1bd2005]

Ok, so this domain name was owned by a company a while ago, the website that it was originally for was taken offline in 2007-ish, someone else snapped up the .com domain for a couple of years after and I managed to get the .co.uk one.

Anyway, they're both available again now, and was wondering, as it appears the company that previously owned these domains has completely disbanded/disolved and the domains have a huge potential in a completely different market, completely unrelated to the original site and owner, would there be any legal issues about taking on and developing these domains in the hope of future sale?

I do have the contacts of the previous owners somewhere too that I could probably find if thats of any use, but as their company is no longer running from what I can see the contacts emails may not work anymore.

---update---
so i've done seaches on IPO and TESS and cant find any trademarks associated with this domain or name, does this mean it was never trademarked and if free of any legal complications, also been looking and the company is definetley completely gone too.

Many Thanks
Daniel

 

[Bailey]

You do seem to be lacking in your own confidence and assurances here.. You've done your checks, Nobody else seems to want the domains either.

Go ahead

I can't see what pitfalls you are envisaging

 

[u1bd2005]

im just a noob lol, and for this to work I obviously have to snap up the .com as well as the .co.uk one, with me being on minimum wage 16 hour contract it's gonna be a risk, but I have an idea for the site and with a little traffic its a big sector to market it at.

I think ur right, I'll probably give it a try

 

[aZooZa]

Looks like you've done good due diligence Daniel, especially with the TM checks - so as Bailey suggests, just go ahead now. I wish you the best of luck and kudos to you for your candour regarding your circumstances, and giving the business a try.

 

[Bailey]

Indeed and let us know how your getting along. Once you've got the domains in the bag, perhaps even share your specific ideas here on Acorn.

I'm sure there'll be some good development advice forthcoming - Not from me though, it's not my forte, more the shame

 

[u1bd2005]

Well I only know html, and a little css/php, but not enough to write a fully functional php based site, but the industry is a very huge market and has a lotta potential, im thinking of setting up an online store using a dropshipper, maybe make a little money that way, though the main aim is to gain the traffic not income for now and maybe sell the 2 domains in a few years time.

My other idea was the hope of trying to do an interview based site, start off by building a small fanbase with some small interviews, and then approach some of the bigger names in the industry.

But will definetly keep you more updated when I snap these up

 

[Bailey]

reads like you've got most your skill set and plans in place. Whatever you do don't disclose the domains until you've purchased them

 

[u1bd2005]

reads like you've got most your skill set and plans in place. Whatever you do don't disclose the domains until you've purchased them

Yeh thanks, been very careful to try not to give those away also a few others that I'm hoping for too, but we'll see how it goes

 

[Egg]

Sounds fine to me and in the unlikely instance the previous company owner comes knocking on your door, if your business is completely unrelated to theirs and the name is entirely fitting for you business sector, I don't really see what hope they have in clamming back the domains.

Good luck with the project
Egg

 

[mozzeratti]

Sounds fine to me and in the unlikely instance the previous company owner comes knocking on your door, if your business is completely unrelated to theirs and the name is entirely fitting for you business sector, I don't really see what hope they have in clamming back the domains.

Good luck with the project
Egg

I second that.
I believe it would be difficult for the previous owner(s) to demonstrate infringement when the industry is unrelated - it sounds to me like you would be using the names in good faith.

If you are still unsure, then perhaps contacting them to inquire would settle your doubts. If you can reach them and compel a response - you will essentially have their disclaimer in writing (assuming it's disinterest they express).

Of course the downside would be that any contact might re-spark their interest.