interesting- was talking to another domainer about realtor.tv, and he wrote them! just had this passed on to me today:
Dear Sir:
Thank you for your interest! The sad fact is at this time, there are no laws that protect trademark owners from anyone on the Internet selling or buying domain names that include a trademark. It is only when there is a website or something (videos? I am not sure what would be at a .tv domain name) using the Mark for real estate purposes that it becomes a trademark infringement. I do write to domain sellers and inform them that we believe it is their legal responsiblity to inform any prospective purchasers that the domain contains a trademark and the owner of this trademark will request that it not be used. But if this is effective or not, I am not sure.
It is a buyer's beware market on the Internet in my experience; and while most domain sellers are honest, they do expect the purchaser to have done his/her homework as to if they are violating anyone's intellectual property. This is usually something pertaining to this issue included in the contract the purchaser signs. As for the membership mark, our Members are allowed to use this term within the parameters of the rules of the Association in domain names and email addresses to identify themselves as Members of the REALTOR organization.
I will contact eNom about this. We appreciate your help with the trademark protection program. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Mary Newill, Trademark Administrator
Legal Affairs Division
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®