LEGO and fair use questions.

[kibosh]

I understand LEGO can't allow fans to use any form of LEGO in domain names, company names, etc. But what amount other terms associated with LEGO and LEGO building? Where do they stand on things like "play well", "master builder", etc. Are these kinds of things under copyright or trademark protection? Could you use derivatives of phrases like these in domain names?

I'd love to hear your opinions and/or experiences with naming LEGO themed websites and companies.

[Duq]

Their rules are explained in detail here: http://aboutus.lego.com/en-us/legal-notice/fair-play

Notice also the footer on their site:

LEGO' date=' the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, DUPLO, LEGENDS OF CHIMA, NINJAGO, MINDSTORMS and MIXELS are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group.[/quote']

I can't imagine they'd have a trademark on 'Master Builder', that's too generic.

[lowbike1]

Their rules are explained in detail here: http://aboutus.lego....otice/fair-play

Notice also the footer on their site:

I can't imagine they'd have a trademark on 'Master Builder', that's too generic.

I used to run a small minibike/pitbike business, and I couldn't legally use the word "mini" because BMW owned it... so I had to register the business under a legal name, and ran it under a different one... so I think it is safe to assume that lego could in fact copyright the term "master builder"

[Duq]

So 'minifigure' is 40% owned by BMW?

;-)

[lowbike1]

So 'minifigure' is 40% owned by BMW?

;-)

I know your being sarcastic, but I think because it is part of a bigger word that is different... who knows though

[dr_spock]

In the back of the LEGO MINI Cooper instruction booklet. "The MINI logo, the MINI word mark and model designation are trademarks of BMW and are used under license."

Minifigures or MINI figures?

[AndyC]

Trademarks can be industry specific, so using mini in conjunction with something car specific isn't allowed but that doesn't exclude the use of the word elsewhere.

[BirdOPrey5]

I used to run a small minibike/pitbike business, and I couldn't legally use the word "mini" because BMW owned it... so I had to register the business under a legal name, and ran it under a different one... so I think it is safe to assume that lego could in fact copyright the term "master builder"

The term might be trade marked, not copyrighted.

That said nothing stops you from using Lego in a domain name, I did. They haven't complained yet. No I won't link it here, it isn't relevant.