Is the name of a sitcom copy right protected for a domain name?

[Doug Heffernan]

I want to start a new forum about one of my favorite sitcoms. Can I use its name a domain or is that copyright protected? For example seinfeldfans.com or seinfeldforums.com etc.

Does anyone know if that is allowed, or it is considered as a copyright infringement? Thanks.

 

[overcast]

Yes often they do allow the fan site if you take permission.

 

[Chris]

They could always request that you change the domain, so I would recommend having a backup on hand for it.

 

[haqzore]

You'd likely be fine, for a good long while at least.

But if a company wanted to, they could cause you grief and expense.

Ikea lawyers stay busy policing the Web as they take on Ikeafans.com

Fan websites that operated peacefully for years are now under threat.

arstechnica.com

 

[Nabix]

In the copyright area at the bottom of your site, I would state that you have not affiliation with said company/work. For example, I own a domain called kodakcourage.com which is a dropshiping site. Has nothing to do with Kodak Film. But, they sent me an email request that I simply say that I have no affiliation with Kodak Film in my copyright area... So, they were cool about it atleast...

 

[we_are_borg]

It can be copyrighted and you do not want the legal trouble. What you can do is as example seinfeldfans.com to sffans.com and then to make sure that you put in a disclaimer you are not affiliated with seinfield.com or any of the copyright holders.

 

[Doug Heffernan]

Thank you all for your answers and tips. Hopefully a disclaimer will be enough. I do not know if the forum will even take off and be noticeable, but better safe than sorry.

 

[LeadCrow]

It's actually a trademark issue, but as long as theyre free or hardly monetized they'd be fine.
In the case of fan forums, communities tend to get away with just stating somewhere prominent that its not affiliated with the related companies. Communities may ask for approval of their name or to be blessed as the official community but usually do only after some minimum success.

Sample
[website] is an unofficial [serie] discussion forum. [website] is not affiliated with [companies]. All characters are registered trademarks of their respective owners. The [serie name/logo] is a copyright of [company]

 

[zappaDPJ]

You should be OK so long as you do not profit from it and you have an easily seen, non-affiliation disclaimer (as above).

Something I would avoid is 'fan fiction' where members take well known characters and create their own narrative. This could attract a cease and desist or worse.

 

[Doug Heffernan]

Thanks LeadCrow and zappaDPJ. It looks like using the name of the sitcom in a domain name could cause hassle down the line. I think it would be better if I used a general name for the domain, like thebestsitcoms.com for ex and then discuss the shows in there.

 

[sbjsbj]

The shelf life of such forums is only as long as the sitcom is airing. Usually before it gains traction, the show is over already. Not sure what you expect people to talk about.

 

[sub_ubi]

People will be talking about Seinfeld until we die

 

[Nabix]

The shelf life of such forums is only as long as the sitcom is airing. Usually before it gains traction, the show is over already. Not sure what you expect people to talk about.

I disagree. Take a look at gateworld.net for example. Still pretty active and still making podcasts. Stargate is the beez kneez. . .

 

[Klaatu]

If you use the name "Seinfeld" you may not be master of your domain eventually. You could use some famous line from the show instead (assuming it's not copyrighted too,) something like "serenitynow.com", "nosoupforyou.com", etc.

 

[MagicalAzareal]

If you use the name "Seinfeld" you may not be master of your domain eventually. You could use some famous line from the show instead (assuming it's not copyrighted too,) something like "serenitynow.com", "nosoupforyou.com", etc.

Vandalay Industries, how may I help you.

 

[Doug Heffernan]

It seems to me that all domain names with the names of the series have long been bought by companies or not?

Not really a.s.f.a.i.k.

 

[KimmiKat]

I remember a mboard (named after a popular game in PIR) dedicated to the US game show Price is Right having a disclaimer on the bottom saying "All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. All photos used here within are not intended as a challenge to the ownership of Fremantle International or Goodson/Price Productions."