Trademark question for the Red Team:

[Justin O'Neill]

The RED camera isn't even out yet but has already generated a TON of buzz. I think a lot of us are hoping to take advantage of this amazing situation the RED team has created and use it to boost business.

My question is, how much are we allowed to bank on the RED brand to draw in customers?

More and more people are turning to the web to find what they need so I guess I'm most curious about what you guys are ok with website wise. One of the most important elements for appearing on the front page of Internet searches is the domain name. For example, www.redcameradp.com would be a very desirable domain. However, "RED Camera" is the trademark of Jim's company so we would need his permission to use that domain. I have noticed a couple websites in existence that have "redcamera" in their domain name and almost all domains containing that trademark have already been bought by companies around the world.

Have these people crossed the line or are RED fans (or reservation holders) allowed to use the RED trademark to this extent?

Thanks!

[Michael Schrengohst]

I think Sony or Panasonic would have a problem if you
had websites and marketing material that said
SonyCamera.com - Unless you had permission to do so.
I have already seen a bunch of "RED" related sites....
Here is what I have found so far...

Redstockfootage.com (Ralphs site)
RED4K.COM
REDFOOTAGE.COM
REDSHOOTER.COM
REDCAMERA.COM
SHOOTRED.COM
REDRENTAL.COM
REDRENTALS.COM
4KRED.COM
REDMADNESS.COM
REDMANIA.COM
REDSHOTS.COM
REDEYE.COM
REDMAN.COM
REDGIRL.COM
REDGUY.COM
DROPRED.COM
REDORDEAD.COM
REDLOVE.COM
LOVERED.COM

I could go on, you get the idea.....

[Stephen Williams]

I think Sony or Panasonic would have a problem if you
had websites and marketing material that said
SonyCamera.com - Unless you had permission to do so.
I have already seen a bunch of "RED" related sites....
Here is what I have found so far...

Redstockfootage.com (Ralphs site)
RED4K.COM
REDFOOTAGE.COM
REDSHOOTER.COM
REDCAMERA.COM
SHOOTRED.COM
REDRENTAL.COM
REDRENTALS.COM
4KRED.COM
REDMADNESS.COM
REDMANIA.COM
REDSHOTS.COM
REDEYE.COM
REDMAN.COM
REDGIRL.COM
REDGUY.COM
DROPRED.COM
REDORDEAD.COM
REDLOVE.COM
LOVERED.COM

I could go on, you get the idea.....

Hi,

I would be worried for the owner of redcamera.com, but I can't see an issue with the others.

Just my 2c

Stephen

[Michael Schrengohst]

I agree, (I do not own that one)
Nor do I own Red Guy???

[Dominic Jones]

I would be worried for the owner of redcamera.com, but I can't see an issue with the others.

I think Wayne Hemmingway would get a bit upset if the trademark police told him he couldn't have redordead.com!

As far as I'm aware (although this may have changed and could be country dependent as well, as internet rights are a bit of a mess still) the only domain names you have any right to own are your exact company name and any trademarks (again exactly spelled) that said company owns...

Anyone got better/more recent info??

[Stephen Williams]

I think Wayne Hemmingway would get a bit upset if the trademark police told him he couldn't have redordead.com!

As far as I'm aware (although this may have changed and could be country dependent as well, as internet rights are a bit of a mess still) the only domain names you have any right to own are your exact company name and any trademarks (again exactly spelled) that said company owns...

Anyone got better/more recent info??

Hi,

FWIW I own www.fcuk.net I read about a dispute with that site and French Connection. About 3 months later it was available so I registered it LOL!

Stephen

[Dominic Jones]

Lol, good work Stephen!!

That brings up another good point though - I think the only corporate-reserved domains are .com and .co.uk (or whichever countries your company trades in). I'm not even close to 100% about this, but I've got a feeling that .org, .net, and obviously .gov, are not subject to any purchasing restrictions as regards corporate identity (clearly .gov has other restrictions though - like you need to own a country!) but again, more info from someone better informed would be appreciated!