[simpits-tech] Web site registeration issue using F16 plane name

[Sittisudjatum, Sukit]

I also happened to me when I registered a domain name in 2003, then the
local airliner (charter service) representative approached me last 2
months.  They didn't come with all the legal stuff to make me sick, but
they just asked if I can sell the domain name which wasn't used since I
registered it (well, I didn't mean to get rich by registering the name,
it just happened that the names are matched).  

The airliner was found many years back, of course.  I really don't know
how to do if they call me again, I'm not a lawyer.  A friend of mine
told me its time to get some $$$ for my flights im hobby.  But if they
approach with the legal things, what I should really react?  Totally
blind.

I don't think our local laws cover this issue ... So, the result is
unpredictable.  But I will very upset (but probably have to admit) if
there's an international law for this case when you are approached by
the big guy (like your case Kevin) who claims that it's his right to
have the name, and you have to let your domain names go with them.  Just
like we registered it, we have it for years, and finally have to say
good bye.

Sukit Sittisudjatum

-----Original Message-----
From: simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org
[mailto:simpits-tech-bounces at simpits.org] On Behalf Of Rob Hommel
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 7:06 AM
To: Simulator Cockpit tech list
Subject: Re: [simpits-tech] Web site registeration issue using F16 plane
name

The word combination f-16 is a word or type mark according to the USPTO
(United States Patents and Trademarks Office. The Patent office is going
to be given a severe make over in the near future thanks in part to
lawyers and companies filing for patents and trademarks in which they do
not even own. The trademark F-16 has 22 different trademarks at this
time some of which(five I believe) are at this time dead. The type mark
F16 has 5 total type or word marks of which 2 are dead. Lockheed Martin
has filed specific word marks and their usage, none of which currently
show an aircraft, there is one for a game, at least two for hats and
t-shirts. A review of the US Patents and Trademarks site should give you
some indication as to if they have a valid claim upon your usage of the
"trademark". There is no trade mark or word mark for the usage of
"f16simulators", or "f16simulator".

There are currently 6,530,000 web pages using the f-16 combination most
of which I suspect are not owned by Lockheed Martin. How much dilution
of the trademark do you think you have contributed. That is part of the
argument that the lawyer will have to make in a legal case that your
usage dilutes the value of their trademark. I am not even convinced they
have the right to the f-16 trademark as Gene pointed out it is a US
military designation. This should place it into the public domain, as I
understand US law, and I am not a lawyer, consult one.

Several years ago the film company Paramount Picture aggressively fought
all comers on the usage of the word mark "STAR TREK". They managed to
alienate their fan base in their effort to protect their trademark.
Paramount has since greatly reduced their efforts in this pursuit.
Lawyers learn from other lawyers and when they see an avenue for easy
money they will go for it, like sharks drawn to blood. The trademark
lawyer is the modern day equivalent of the ambulance chaser. 

You are asking yourself can they sue me, the answer to that question is
yes, they certainly can. The answer to that question is ambiguous can
they win, maybe. How much will it cost, how much have you got. How much
effort is this for the lawyer, none. 

I suspect that the aircraft as it is being phased out means that they
are currently looking for alternative sources of income. 

Consult a lawyer. 

Keep 'em Flying
Rob Hommel

--
We've Got Your Name at http://www.mail.com!
Get a FREE E-mail Account Today - Choose From 100+ Domains

_______________________________________________
Simpits-tech mailing list
Simpits-tech at simpits.org
http://www.simpits.org/mailman/listinfo/simpits-tech
To unsubscribe, please see the instructions at the bottom of the above
page.  Thanks!