"UNOFFICIAL" SITES OR SITES USING OTHER NAMES - LEGALITY?

[lappyhappy]

So let's say (for example) that you want to creat a forum about ford trucks...

1. Is this legal?
2. Do you need permission from ford?
3. Does it make it legal to call it an "unofficial" ford forum?

The way I see it a company would be stupid to not want you making a website dedicated to them or their products but you know how lawsuits go these days......

[tke71709]

Freedom of speech, you can talk about ford trucks without their permission.

However, that doesn't mean that you can use their trademarks without their permission (e.g. in your domain name).

[lappyhappy]

OK so I would have to name the forum "greattrucks.com" or something like that and then not mention the name ford anywhere in the title or ads right?

[tolkein]

Theoretically. But I guess it's what you do with the site that matters most. If all you're doing is helping Ford sell more trucks and not "making money off their trademark", then it should be fine. Just remember to slap on a visible disclaimer to say that you're an independent website that's not affiliated nor approved by Ford, and also have a link to Ford's official truck page.

[lappyhappy]

great advice - thanks!

[Dan Schulz]

Something along the lines of: "Ford ® and Ford Trucks ® are Registered Trademarks ™ of Ford Motor Company, Inc. Original Ford material Copyright © (first year of copyright to present) by Ford Motor Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Used without permission for informational and educational purposes only. Any use of Ford Motor Company's trademarked and/or copyrighted material should not be viewed as (a or multiple) challenge(s) to those Trademarks and/or Copyrights. Ford ® and Ford Trucks ® are Registered Trademarks of Ford Motor Company, Inc."

should suffice. However, it is always best to seek their permission first. I doubt they'd have a problem with the free promotional material as long as you're not seeking to make any money off of the site or forum.

Keep in mind the above disclaimer is just an example, and should not be used unless you're absolutely certain tha you are comforable taking the risk, and have reviewed it with an attorney licensed to practice law where you are at. It's just an example, nothing more.