Domain Name question

[g_m_julin]

new jersey - if i want to purchase a domain name for a conflict that a goverment is having can they sue me? i have heard stories like if you bought the www.backstreetboys.com before the real backstreet boys then they have the right to sue you. is it the same thing for military conflicts? say if i wanted to name something www.operationmongoose.com if that was a war?

 

[JETX]

Generally, you would be safe.

The issue you are talking about is called 'cybersquatting', which is the practice of registering a domain name that is already trademarked (usually) by someone else. Obviously, the intent of these squatters is NOT to develop the site, but to obtain BIG bucks from the tradmark owner when he wants to develop the same named site.

In your case, since there probably wouldn't be a prior trademark issue, you would probably be safe from any action.

This is a link to a good legal resource on this issue:
http://www.gigalaw.com/articles/kubiszyn-2000-02-p1.html