Names

aquario · Dec 7, 2002

Hi,

I have a few domains that are persons real names. None of these people are super stars, but if they keep on doing things right they just may become a famous person.

What are the chances of running into trouble by buying these and what is the best thing I should do to stay on the safe side?

Thanks!

tonyk2000 · Dec 7, 2002

AS far as I know, they may not submit UDRP complain against you... Names are not subject of UDRP. They are not trademarked.
However if the word is trademarked as goods/services... who knows.

DNQuest.com · Dec 7, 2002

Even though names are not trademarked, you can still lose a the domain if it can be proven that it was registered in bad faith. I believe that 85% of famous names are awarded to the famous person. The reason is that the 85% are trying to make money off the famous person, therefore diluting the person's name. I do own several famous names and I have put up bios about the person. I don't sell anything, no porn sites, and didn't contact that person to try to sell the name. I just happen to be a fan of that person.

You may want to update the site every so often with latest news. This shows you are a fan and keep up with the famous (or almost famous) person.

I own several names, and of them would surprise the whole world. I received a letter from them last year, I responded and I haven't heard back from them. This may not be best thing to do, but it is legal.

Kazam · Dec 8, 2002

DNquest is right as long as you are "a fan" and have a site about that person up and running with no things like porn or offering the name for sale. There is not much they can do although they might think so. In the end they or someone else will offer you money for the "site" ie. the name.