What is the legality of adding "the"

[TXTDryFly]

Is it illegal to add "the" in front of a domain to make it yours? I have a business that i'm wanting to make a website for, but the name is taken. Can I put "the" infront of it so i can use it?

 

[theinvestor]

Depends on if the name is trademarked. If it's a generic term than "the" doesn't make a difference.

 

[gafadi]

yeah as theinvestor said , it depends on the name , like youtube.com if you make theyoutube.com its not good because Youtube is trademarked ,

 

[copper]

TM has nothing to do with this question.
It's in the domain usage.

If ###abc.com sell candle and you put the###abc.com and sell candle,
you will lose the domain if ###abc.com want your domain whether they
have TM or not.

 

[fab]

TM has nothing to do with this question.
It's in the domain usage.

I highly doubt this.

 

[flamewalker]

There is a lot of weight to usage. IMO stay away from TM's and find a unique name for yourself...but if you insist... if the taken names (.com/net/org etc) are for... say, candles, and you use it for books... you might be ok. It won't stop them necessarily from trying though so my advice would be to come up with a unique name

 

[EnricoSchaefer]

The advice above is solid. If there are common law or registered trademark rights in the words used in the domain, adding 'the' accomplishes nothing. You will have a potential ACPA or UDRP issue under trademark law.