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Can I buy and legally use a domain with the word apple in it?

B

bk123

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 4, 2011
71
0
I dont know where to post this so it would be great if a mod can move it.

Basiclly im starting a small iPhone, Ipad repair biz.

I will buy broken ones, fix them and resell them as used online as a side business.

My question is: Am i Allowed to buy a domain with the key word apple in it..

like "xxxxxxxApple.com" and sell used iPhones without issue?

just though ppl on this fourm might know answer to this, im a college student trying to earn some $$ as side biz ;)

Thanks:apple:
 
bk123 said:
I dont know where to post this so it would be great if a mod can move it.

Basiclly im starting a small iPhone, Ipad repair biz.

I will buy broken ones, fix them and resell them as used online as a side business.

My question is: Am i Allowed to buy a domain with the key word apple in it..

like "xxxxxxxApple.com" and sell used iPhones without issue?

just though ppl on this fourm might know answer to this, im a college student trying to earn some $$ as side biz ;)

Thanks:apple:
Click to expand...

sounds like you would be ok, google the word apple you will see many domains with the word apple in them some having nothing at all to do with the company apple

bk123 said:
hmm, im selling in USA.
So im guessing I will be fine? :)
I got a perfect domain name availablethats why im trying to keep it
Click to expand...

theres a company that fixes windshields on cars call apple auto glass and their domain is appleautoglass.com, not sure how apple can say you cant unless they have some copyright to the context the word apple is used
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You can have anything with the term "apple" in it so as long as it cannot be misconstrued by others that you represent yourself as Apple (the computer company, or any other company).
Like applefruit.com or applefallsfromatree.com, etc.
applecomputersanddevices.com will get you some heat.
 
I know companys are using word apple to sell whatever they do but im saying if I use Apple to sell iPhones ipads MBs ect,,
Mixed new and used
 
bk123 said:
I know companys are using word apple to sell whatever they do but im saying if I use Apple to sell iPhones ipads MBs ect,,
Mixed new and used
Click to expand...

I think that's a bit of a grey area, as long as your name makes it clear you aren't officially associated with Apple you should be fine. But it seems like enough of a gray area to me that it might be worth asking a lawyer rather than a bunch of people on the Internet.
 
mrkramer said:
I think that's a bit of a grey area, as long as your name makes it clear you aren't officially associated with Apple you should be fine. But it seems like enough of a gray area to me that it might be worth asking a lawyer rather than a bunch of people on the Internet.
Click to expand...

agreed,

in your googling have you found any others domains with the word apple in it that are selling or fixing apple products
 
mrkramer said:
I think that's a bit of a grey area, as long as your name makes it clear you aren't officially associated with Apple you should be fine. But it seems like enough of a gray area to me that it might be worth asking a lawyer rather than a bunch of people on the Internet.
Click to expand...

That, and I'm not even sure you're allowed to sell new Apple products without being an authorized seller. I agree, go ask a lawyer, no one here is going to be able to give you an adequate answer.
 
Interstella5555 said:
That, and I'm not even sure you're allowed to sell new Apple products without being an authorized seller. I agree, go ask a lawyer, no one here is going to be able to give you an adequate answer.
Click to expand...

For Apple products, I do see many sellers selling modified apple products, like red iphones or whatever.

So Im assuming you can probably sell modified products..

Also I know you can sell on ebay as there are many sellers doing this =/
 
If the domain is for sale then no one own it. Check with godaddy or something. There is nothing illegal in having a company name in your domain. There are a few who actually buy this on purpose in hopes that Apple or such would pay them to buy from them.
 
bk123 said:
I dont want to get into a mess like this guy.

http://techcrunch.com/2010/01/07/apple-domain-names/

The domain I want is avalible
Im going to call the company Something like
Amazing Apple / Example ( dont want 2 give away my 4 domain name ideas :)
Click to expand...

The person used specific Apple product names. The word MacBook isn't defined in the dictionary. The word Apple is. You can make it .amazingapple.com if you want to and if sued, then claim that it is an english word. On the other hand, if you make it .macbookrocks.com then you're asking for trouble as that name is trademarked under Apple property.
 
Read this for more information about trademarks relative to your situation: http://www.supnik.com/cyberbill.htm

saberahul said:
The person used specific Apple product names. The word MacBook isn't defined in the dictionary. The word Apple is. You can make it .amazingapple.com if you want to and if sued, then claim that it is an english word. On the other hand, if you make it .macbookrocks.com then you're asking for trouble as that name is trademarked under Apple property.
Click to expand...

If amazingapple.com deals with computer-related services (or anything else Apple deals in), then there would be trademark issues.
 
saberahul said:
If the domain is for sale then no one own it. Check with godaddy or something. There is nothing illegal in having a company name in your domain. There are a few who actually buy this on purpose in hopes that Apple or such would pay them to buy from them.
Click to expand...

You have the right to buy the name, but Apple can also dispute it as well. Even if you are right that you have every legal right to use the name, the cost to go up against Apple's lawyers would be massive. If you have a company repairing apple products with the name apple in the name, I think Apple would have an easy case that it might confuse the consumer that you are associated with apple computer.

IMO, not worth the risk.
 
iceterminal said:
You can have anything with the term "apple" in it so as long as it cannot be misconstrued by others that you represent yourself as Apple (the computer company, or any other company).
Like applefruit.com or applefallsfromatree.com, etc.
applecomputersanddevices.com will get you some heat.
Click to expand...

He is trying to sell used iphones, I think he will get some heat from using a domain with apple in it
 
For one OP, go over this.

http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/guidelinesfor3rdparties.html

Then have a lawyer go over it as well. You don't want to set up shop only to be possibly shut down. Just cover all of your bases.

EDIT* Bingo.

3. Variations, Takeoffs or Abbreviations: You may not use an image of a real apple or other variation of the Apple logo for any purpose. Third parties cannot use a variation, phonetic equivalent, foreign language equivalent, takeoff, or abbreviation of an Apple trademark for any purpose. For example:

Not acceptable: Appletree Jackintosh Apple Cart PodMart
 
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