Trademark Problems?
Would there be a Copyright or Trademark issue purchasing an ADA Handle of a business name?
I can advise that it heavily depends on the specific circumstances. Legal jurisdiction, the exact business name, whether the name is trademarked, and how you intend to use the ADA Handle can all influence whether there can be copyright or legal issues. Buying a handle that matches a trademarked business name and using it in bad faith (for example, to mislead others, for profit by selling it to the business at an inflated price, or defaming the business) could lead to legal repercussions. However, if the handle is a common word or phrase and you're not using it to infringe on the rights of the trademark holder or defame the business, you might not have issues.
Still, every situation could be different, and it's always prudent to seek professional legal advice when you are unsure. Different jurisdictions may have different rules and regulations concerning trademark and intellectual property rights.
I do try to avoid ADA Handles that are trademarked names. However I did purchase STP which is a famous Petroleum additive product that has been around for almost 75 years, if you see my advertisement for that handle, I never mention that company or specific product, other than to say I have seen a sticker for years with those letters. I do offer other uses in that advertising for a possible acronym of the letters STP.
If you will notice the bulk of my handles are a generic name for example $MyNewWindows $PolishSausage $StrechLimo,etc. Not a company trademark, but the service or product.
I would not buy Sony, as it is a word not an acronym, definitely a trademark. I hope this helps…
This is NOT legal advice… Mike Gilhooly
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