By capmex on

I registered this domain (drupal.ws) on 2005-07-11, long before drupal was trademarked, to create a site for showcasing drupal websites, but now with the trademark on drupal I'm not sure if I can create the site with it or if is better to let it expire on 2009-07-11.

Any advice is welcome.

Comments

dnewkerk’s picture

dnewkerk commented

There are many Drupal-related sites with the word Drupal in the domain name, which doesn't "appear" to be a problem (though I don't have any authority to speak on the matter, just my personal observation)... however yes I'd recommend checking directly with Dries and/or the Drupal Association before using it (especially since your domain just the word Drupal and an alternate extension).

capmex’s picture

capmex commented

Thank you will try to contact them.

So this seems to be the options:

  1. Check directly with them that I can create the site.
  2. Hand it over to them if I can't use it and they consider it valuable.
  3. Let it expire.
michelle’s picture

michelle
she/her
Primary language English
Location Wisconsin, USA
commented

See also http://groups.drupal.org/node/15023

capmex’s picture

capmex commented

wow, thanks found great information there.

I get to the conclusion that is best to let it go.

If I had a domain like for example: drupalwebsites.??? or drupalrocks.??? I might use it without even asking for permission adhering to certain rules:

"You can even use the trademark in a domain name (like walmartsucks.com), so long as it's clear that you're not claiming to be or speak for the company."
http://www.chillingeffects.org/trademark/faq#QID740

But an exact coined term receives the strongest protection:

"coined term is a made-up word, such as Kodak or Xerox, with no pre-existing use than as a trademark. These generally receive the strongest protection under the law because they are usually not similar to other terms or descriptive of other goods."
http://www.chillingeffects.org/trademark/faq#QID579

michelle’s picture

michelle
she/her
Primary language English
Location Wisconsin, USA
commented

If that's your decision, I suggest transfering it to the Drupal association rather than letting it expire. If it expires, it's open for spammers and squatters and will give the DA more of a headache.

Michelle

capmex’s picture

capmex commented

Yes, I would love to do that.

I sent a mail to Dries yesterday with that option via his site contact form.

Just sent another to the DA via their contact form.

If they are interested I hope they will contact me before the domain expires.

capmex’s picture

capmex commented

I successfully transferred the domain to Dries.

michelle’s picture

michelle
she/her
Primary language English
Location Wisconsin, USA
commented

Thanks for being so nice about it. :)

Michelle