Website name question

[bubba]

Quote (MoonDawg @ Dec. 11 2005,3:59)

Dave, Josh is right on with the name.   On an internet search 95% of all newcommers probably type in "Antique Coke machine"

As a newcomer, I'll agree with that. That was the first thing I punched in.

I'm sure coke would be more forgiving than what I went through, but I bought a website that a competitor owned the trademark name for, and we got into a lawsuit. They were seeking a stupid amount of money, and all kinds of other things, basically trying to put us out of business. After the lawyers hashed it all out, we paid about $10grand, surrendered the name, and had to make changes to our advertising. I would think that if you used thecokemachineguy.com, you would need to put a disclaimer that you are not affiliated with Coke, and give them credit for the trademark, and they probably wouldn't bother you - especially after they see your content.

[loman4ec]

I also think the best thing for me is I am not a business. I am mostly just showing off what I have done and selling a few machines and some parts to help finance the hobby.

[BryanH]

Quote (dr galaga @ Dec. 11 2005,2:09)

I would try cokemachineguy and see what happens.  Maybe only register the name for 2 years, that way if they shut you down you are not out of alot of money.

Josh, that would be my approach also... Coke is the trademark for soda not for machines.  I think you'd be pretty safe - and like you said you're not a business so the worse case scenario is you need to change the name of a website.

[loman4ec]

Well I think I am going to go the safe route and do soda not coke. I just really don't want to mess with possibly having a legal battle with coke. It just isn't worth it. Especially for a site that will have really low traffic. The only real reason I have the site is for references. When someone wants to see some machines I have built I don't have to email them a bunch of pictures I can just direct them to the website. Kate has been working on it all day and it is really looking good. I will post the link when it is done. Also Jim please send me a SMC banner so I can put it on the site.
Josh

[jasmine64]

Have you thought about registering both just in case?
That would be cheaper in the end.

I'd have multi disclaimers on the web page,
just to cover every aspect of the whole lawsuit thing.

Avoid at all costs anything that could come out of the blue.

State it at the beginning of each page and again at the end this way
you'd show good faith not to step on Coca-Cola's toes, so to speak.

State that all logo's you post (meaning pictures of the machines) and color schemes (in picture form) associated
with them are theirs and theirs alone, and these are/were your
personal machines for reference and or your enjoyment only.

Does this help?

[jasmine64]

Looks like you made a decision while I wsa typing. '>

A couple of years ago here in the States, Coda~Cola went after a bunch of websites run by avid collectors of Coke products.  Even gave some of the Coke clubs that belong to the National Coca~Cola collectors club a hard time.  Don't know what put them into such a snit, but they were real (insert your favorite name here)'s about the whole thing.  Actually attacked people that help keep them where they are and help keep them popular.  

Sounds like you have lawyer.  He should be the final word on what will keep you out of trouble.