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can i buy a domain name same as of a movie name?

by itsjake04
12 replies
Hey there!
Greetings of the day!
My question is that can i buy a domain name starting with a movie name? Like the format below-
Moviename+keywords.com.

Also if i specify clearly that its an unofficial site providing only information about the movie.

i have seen many fan websites having the movie name in domain.

So can i do that without falling in any legal trouble?
#legal advices
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Ray
    Personally I would stay away from a combination like that. I have not had experience with movie names, but I know people of have used product names in their URL's and it was just a matter of time before they got a message from the company asking them to take it down.

    Didn't matter that they were promoting the product or selling it for them, the company simply did not want anyone else using their name.

    There are other ways to add in that kind of information via keywords in the content, site title, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Samyum
    if you want to buy the name, it is advisable you just park it for future reason. As it may turn out to worth gold later.

    Another is you can buy, apply privacy from your domain registra, create your website, get another entire new domain to direct to it. You may be safe pending the time any issue of ownership pop up.

    But if am in your shoes, will stick with the first option.
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  • Profile picture of the author LuckyIMer
    I think you will be fine if the movie name you are using are found on dictionary which is the case for many movies names, and as long as the website has nothing to do with the movie.
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  • Profile picture of the author NK
    That depends on what you want to do with it. As you've mentioned, fansites generally escapes any sort of legal wrath since that's usually bad publicity, but it could still happen. If you plan to make a quick buck then quickly drop the domain, yeah that could work but I would still advise against it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chaudhary Daniyal
    I think I can give you a clear answer since I've been in domain flipping business.

    The ONLY thing that should stop you from buying a certain domain is if it contains a 'Trademarked' word! For example, you should stay away from domains such as GoogleMoney.com or MicrosoftToolShop.com, even if the domain has the most desired keywords, you'd be risking a legal action from those companies.

    If the word is not trademarked, you can buy it!

    iPhone is a trademarked word so stay away from domains containing this word! On the other hand, Steve Jobs (Owner of Apple) is not a trademarked word, so if you come across SteveJobs.com, fee free to grab it.

    Hope it Helps,
    Daniyal
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  • Profile picture of the author jens1seo
    You can use any name that does not have a trademark or patten. As for them asking you to take your domain down, don't worry you don't have to. If it was not trademarked or protected its yours to use. They can threat, complain, and bully you but cant do a thing if it was not legally protected.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by itsjake04 View Post

    My question is that can i buy a domain name starting with a movie name? So can i do that without falling in any legal trouble?

    Jake,

    Anytime legal questions arise in your business, it's smart and prudent to seek professional advice from a qualified attorney.

    Listening to people on this forum give legal advice and then acting on it, is not worth the huge risk that you are taking.

    Since you are asking the question, you are obviously concerned . . . as you well should be. Anytime you register a domain with a proper name in it (whether a business name, a product name, a slogan, a book or movie name, a celebrity name, etc.) you are treading on thin ice and it is just not worth the risk.

    Seek competent legal help.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author bennie07
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      Jake,

      Anytime legal questions arise in your business, it's smart and prudent to seek professional advice from a qualified attorney.

      Listening to people on this forum give legal advice and then acting on it, is not worth the huge risk that you are taking.

      Since you are asking the question, you are obviously concerned . . . as you well should be. Anytime you register a domain with a proper name in it (whether a business name, a product name, a slogan, a book or movie name, a celebrity name, etc.) you are treading on thin ice and it is just not worth the risk.

      Seek competent legal help.

      Steve
      What he said!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kalambur
    What is the name of the movie? If it is "Be happy!", yes you can. If "Titanic" - no.
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  • Profile picture of the author JessUBotNinja
    Anything legal related you are always better off asking a professional. If something happens you will not be able to come back and be like all these people on Warrior said it would probably be ok or not. While some people may have already done something of the sort there is no way to know if they worked with a reputable lawyer or if laws are still the same as when they did what you are trying to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author bobsstuff
    Another thought, if you legally own the title and it is not copyrighted, trademarked or otherwise owned by some big company, BUT the company feels you "stole" their name, they can file a lawsuit to make you drop the name. Even if you were to win, could you afford to defend yourself against a deep pockets HUGE company that wants it own way?

    Personally, I would stay away from "titles" that are made popular by large companies. Your choice may differ.
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  • Profile picture of the author JBilbao
    Odds are that nothing negative will happen. There are many domains that include a film's name, like StarWars..etc Worse Case scenario, you get an email from the producer's attorney, telling you to get a different domain or risk getting sued. You probably have a better chance of getting hit by lightening on a clear sunny day or eaten by a shark in Lake Michigan, but..It's up to you to take the chance. I wouldn't worry about it.
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