Registering personal names

[aspirin]

Is registering someone else’s personal name as a domain name legal?

I just read this

From that link...

Steele: In most cases, it is unlawful. Under U.S. law 15 § U.S.C. 1129, it is unlawful to register a domain name that consists of, or is similar to, the name of another living person without their consent (note there are few exceptions). Several states (including California) also have a similar state law regarding the registration of someone else’s personal name as domain name.

What's the stand in UK?

 

[spiderspider]

What's the stand in UK?

AFAIK you're free to go ahead and register whatever you want. The only legal issue is around the usage of that registration.

For example, if you registered the name of someone with some 'fame', and then used it with their image, and their right, you may find yourself in hot water.

However, if I decided my neighbour had a prestigious sounding name, and I decided to setup an online jewellery shop in that name, there is nothing to stop this.

 

[aspirin]

How about if you registered your neighbours name, then knocked on his door and tried to flog him it. How legal is that?

 

[accelerator]

How about if you registered your neighbours name, then knocked on his door and tried to flog him it. How legal is that?

I wouldn't bother registering people's personal names as something to resell for profit myself. Any famous person whose name would be valuable could easily build a Nominet DRS or UDRP case against you, so it's pointless. Less famous names are hardly worth it. It's poor form in my opinion anyway.

Much better just to focus on legitimate and more profitable opportunities in my opinion.

If you are starting out and having trouble working out if a name is worth regging, then feel free to PM me for a second opinion.

Rgds

 

[spiderspider]

How about if you registered your neighbours name, then knocked on his door and tried to flog him it. How legal is that?

Legally??? I can't think of any Act that would be used, just for registration. As said above, its the usage, not the registration that can normally cause issues.

If you are starting out and having trouble working out if a name is worth regging, and no one else can help you, maybe you can hire....... The A team

 

[martin-s]

You won't make any money with full names. Surnames and brandable first names are solid though.

 

[aspirin]

If your name was Ben Smith (http://www.acorndomains.co.uk/domain-name-auctions/135922-bensmith-co-uk-uk.html) you would pay handsomely for this right?

 

[AssetDomains]

If your name was Ben Smith (http://www.acorndomains.co.uk/domain-name-auctions/135922-bensmith-co-uk-uk.html) you would pay handsomely for this right?

Maybe he has a relative called ben