Almost made it through 2004 without getting sued.
 

DAMN!

Well someone in another industry wants me to stop using one of our urls (it would actually be four with the variations). They have a valid trademark on one word, and claim a copyright on the two together since it is "one of their characters". Copyright office comes up pretty vague and just says art work.

Guy was pleasant enough on phone, I can see his point and he can see mine. I am not about willing to just let a paysite url go because some asked, and he has a company to look out for as well. So we will more than likely end up in court, unless we can come to some sort of settlement.

Well :glugglug

Which site was it?

www.willyspanker.com
or
www.williespanker.com

he has a character called "willie spanker" ? hah!

good luck in court if it ends up there!

I was sent C&D from a guy who trademarked STEALTH...he was going after STEALthisgallery.com

Stupid fucker....I don't plan on responding until he serves me properly..then I'll go from there.

Yeah its some skater clothing company. Not even concerned yet and will not be until his lawyers serve me. Even then his rights to that name are pretty small.

Unrelated industry.
I do not sell clothing or mechandise.
Its 2004, you should know by now to grab a url if you want to protect some "character's" name usage.

what word does he have a copyright on?

Trademark on "spanker" I checked and that is valid.
Copyright office just has a copyright on: description ART. No details.

I always check the trademark office before launching a site and nothing at all came up that covers both words together. As for his copyright, well I would think it covers the art and appearance of his logo's and drawings. I am sure he would still need a trademark on the willy or willie name in conjunction with spanker to be a real threat.

I would not be too concerned unless Willie was wearing the spanker clothing line

I am not concerned. Hopefully this company has a semi-intellegent attorney that will explain they have no real chance. Otherwise my only real concern is paying my damn attorney to file responses and such. I really hate buying my attorney new stuff, even if he earns it.

Well that sucks...hope it works out in your favor

Yeah, when they start showing you pictures from their last vacation to Europe it can be a drag if they didn't at least bring you back a t-shirt