What rights do I have over my domain name?

2 pointsby zynoda19 лет назад2 comments

I bought a domain name about two years ago for a little web app I've been working on. For conversation sake lets call it Umize. Recently, a new startup launched with a similar name (Umizr).

Here's what bothers me: they use my name (Umize) as the title of one of their features. And this title is displayed prominently on their front page and throughout their web site. The feature is also somewhat related to my web app.

My question is: do I have any copyright for the use of my domain name? Do I have the right to ask the startup to rename their feature?

I'm not planning on taking any action now. I'm just wondering what my options are if this becomes a problem in the future.

Thanks so much!

2 comments

ordersup19 лет назад

Keep a paper trail of everything, from emails sent relating to your service to any fees paid out to contractors or anytone else working under/for you w/ the project. If they make a stink out of it, I would suggest hiring a lawyer to represent you (we have one that we have on retainer -- tends to be cheaper this way). If you don't have the funding for this, you could always ask them to rename theirs and maybe they'll comply in good faith if you prove you had your name and whatnot first... or the last option would be to follow chandrab and just rename your product... it'll keep a stink down w/ the other company and won't be a costly blackhole to throw money you could have put into marketing the new name.

chandrab19 лет назад

Are they doing the same thing or something similar? The possibility of confusion exists...if you have copyrights on your name and predate them you might have a case (if you decide to spend the money on lawyers). Cheapest way out of it is find a new name IMHO.