is it legal to use complete TM domain for non proft forum?

[seeker]

just as an example, can I use
microsoft.info and have a forum talking about MS *without* adsense or anything for profit?
is there some free speech clause that allows that?

what If I had that site just shows a history of MS, had no profit making links, and a disclaimer?

Thanks.

 

[Luc]

you're still using their trademark and they don't care.

i've lost names to them that weren't even resolving.

with companies like disney, microsoft, altavista, yahoo, they'll take you down fast, especially with something like a forum.

 

[seeker]

thanks I appreciate the answer.
thats what thought as well.
I was contacted recently regarding a high traffic domaon that is basicly a forum that talks bad about a well known company, and the owner 'assures' me that there arent any problems because there is no adsense just some links to other sites and has a disclaimer.
I didnt feel comfortable about buying the name until I got advice first.
I wont be purchasing it.
thanks again.

 

[ParkQuick.com]

I think that you might be okay under U.S. trademark law if you had the TM plus another (even a word like "sucks"). Obviously this is not true in other parts of the world. It's fair to use a trademark when commenting on a company - but courts and WIPO panels have ruled both ways. It is probably not worth the risk unless you feel very strongly about that company.