Microsoft Domain Name

I dont know copy-right law exactly. But I feel that you have right such name to use. Because there are too many windows in using. Actually window is common name and you can take it out as your meaning.

you shouldnt get in trubble with MS unless you make a site like www.windows-is-rubbish.com then you might get a little email from microsoft with a very annoying warning, its not worth it to put money into hosting and the domain, just dont use words like windows=poo or anything ruining there company name, i think they will thank you if you use a site URL like www.windows-rules.com hope this helps

In my opinion, you can use Windows for a lot of good things, so I created a site about how you can use Windows to your fullest. I do not include hacks or anything Microsoft does not think you should do. It's like I'm helping people to better use their product.

[NNH1254]

WordPress › About » Domains
WP prohibits using it for a site related to wordpress, it seems like Windows might as well. If you were, say, running a company that produced glass windows, it'd be different, but your site is clearly about the OS, so I'd be careful.

I did some googling (ironically), and apparently if people start using a trademark freely (technically just to refer to a generic kind of product, like an operating system instead of the actual specific one produced by Microsoft, though companies like to make sure nothing happens at all just to be on the safe side) then the company loses its trademark in the US, like the way kleenex used to be a trademark but now just means tissues, or the way "to google" now basically means to use a search engine (maybe google, but maybe yahoo or msn search or whatever). I'm curious about what kind of response you'll get from them.

Originally Posted by MiCCAS

It's fine, places like www.thevistageeks.com and Windows Vista Forums use it

I drove recently at 85KPH at a Highway with that speed limit sign. And a lot of
people just drove past me going probably 100KPH or so.

Other people's behavior doesn't indicate what's allowed and what isn't. Not all
get caught, but those that do tend to regret it and pay a heavy price.

Originally Posted by aungcho

But I feel that you have right such name to use. Because there are too many windows in using. Actually window is common name and you can take it out as your meaning.

What we feel doesn't matter if any applicable law and/or decision sees things
differently.

I don't know if you read or probably didn't understand my previous post. But I
said a word can refer to its generic meaning yet also be used as a trademark.

I'll tell you what: you can probably use the domain name and talk about their
Windows software. But if you put any hint of commercial use (especially those
of competing products), expect a notice of legal suit and not a C&D.

Asking permision isn't a bad idea. But if they say no, are you going to insist?

But...it's a matter of risk and reward, whichever is higher. You decide.

Thanks again to all for replying. I still haven't got a response from Microsoft.

Is it the domain or the content that's the problem?
If it's the domain, can you suggest a domain name that's OK?

[NNH1254]

If it is a problem, I would guess it's the domain combined with the fact that it has windows-related content, one without the other would be fine. I wouldn't do anything until I got a response from them, but if you have to change it maybe OSDiscussion (basically everything but .com is available for that). Good luck.

I won't do anything until I get a response, but I am planning what I will do.

Originally Posted by NNH1254

If it is a problem, I would guess it's the domain combined with the fact that it has windows-related content, one without the other would be fine. I wouldn't do anything until I got a response from them, but if you have to change it maybe OSDiscussion (basically everything but .com is available for that). Good luck.

OSDiscussion sounds just like a forum, but I want it to be mostly a website with information written by webmasters and writers. I want it to be informing to visitors. OSDiscussion sounds just like ddBoard (Domain Discussion Board), which is just a forum and not a main "website".

[NNH1254]

*shrug*
I don't know, systemhelp.info and systemhelp.org are both available, if you want a domain name that's words.

That sounds good. I like systemhelp.org. As soon as I have enough ddPoints, I will think about it. Before I get the domain, I need to get a formal response.