Liability & Legality

**Matt__M_** · 09-14-2006, 03:21 PM

Hi,

If you have a little text on your site that says "Other ______ sites that may interest you: asfdasdf.com, dfgdkfgh.com and fgdfgdfg.com" and you're trying to rank well in the search engines for "asfdasdf.com", "dfgdkfgh.com" and "fgdfgdfg.com", and the domains are trademarked, is that illegal?

Thanks, Matt

**kindsvater** · 09-16-2006, 06:14 PM

That is probably fine - even though you're trying to rank for the domain name.

The primary issue with trademarks is using another trademark to promote your own product. If the context in your page is that this is a legitimate reference to another related website you probably won't have a problem.

**Matt__M_** · 09-17-2006, 04:15 PM

Great! Thanks!

**jmatthew3** · 09-22-2006, 12:04 AM

"The primary issue with trademarks is using another trademark to promote your own product. If the context in your page is that this is a legitimate reference to another related website you probably won't have a problem."

Wouldn't using trademarked domain names to rank be using the names to promote your own product?

I have no idea what the law says, but I would think someone would be fine if they're adding the trademarked domain name in some sort of informational way. (If you're adding the domain name to rank, and it's obvious, that's one thing, but if you're adding the domain name for informational purposes, and it just so happens that it helps you rank, well, that may be another story)

it comes down to how things get interpreted.

this is in no way legal advice of any kind. do not rely on any statements that i make. if you have any question about the law, please find an attorney specializing in this area of law.