1) Webmasters should check if their chosen domain name resembles any existing trademarks to avoid legal issues down the road. 2) They can search the USPTO website to find registered or pending trademarks that may conflict. 3) If a similar trademark exists, the webmaster needs to evaluate the risk and consider choosing a different domain name if their site plans to compete directly with the trademarked business.

1. Many webmasters erroneously believe that just because th
registrar says a particular domain name is 'available' that it t
necessarily so. Even if a domain name is physically available
be open for use. Why? It's because there might already be a
the rights to the keywords used within the domain

2. If this happens yet the webmaster claims the domain name a
risk of losing it through a domain name arbitration proceed
even be charged with trademark/copyright infringement if th
For this reason it's best to make sure the keywords used in
aren't protected for someone else. This article will explain
can make such a determination.

3. First, webmasters need to check and see if their chosen
resembles any existing trademark that is on the books. The
this before actually investing any money in the domain na
existing trademarks, webmasters can visit the website of th
Trademark Office which is USPTO.gov. From here they can s
that contains current trademarks as well as those that

4. If a domain name is similar to a registered or pending tradem
need to evaluate whether the domain name is still worth ta
site is not selling the same types of merchandise or service
business is selling and the trademark is not popular, a web
won't get into legal trouble if they decide to go on and reg
name. To be completely sure, webmasters can run the do
trademark attorney. It shouldn't cost too much for an hou

5. Of course, if a webmaster would prefer zero percent risk, the
think of another domain name. When they go about doing
be more generic and less creative in what they come up wi
engine keywords for a domain name is one such strategy. We
look into using dictionary terms. If all else fails they can tak
and combine it with a term that is less likely to be taken, suc
last name.

6. Either way, once a suitable domain name has been chosen, w
consider getting it trademarked themselves, especially if th
help brand their business. With an official trademark, a web
legal power should another company try to take them to c
there's no shortage of domain name bullies, (companies t
profitable domain names from smaller enterprises), a webma
legal avenues available to protect the rights of their

7. In conclusion, by checking whether or not a domain name h
are part of a trademark, webmasters lessen the risk that th
problems in the future. If there are problems, and a domain
proceeding does not rule in a webmaster's favor, they can tu
Name Rights Coalition.

8. http://www.domainnamecache.com/?p=18