A question for the DU legal minds. Re: Copyright Infringement, etc..

[Ghost in the Machine]

Is there any way I could get into any kind of legal trouble over using a domain name I was able to register? It's http://www.myfoxnewsonline.com and I have started a little parody with writings from 'Rank Limburger' and Bull O'Liarly. It clearly can't be confused with Fox News, right?

What if I decided to change the format, and do a tear down of some of Fox's propaganda and hit pieces? Kind of 'unspinning the spin', if you will. Of course, that would require me to actually watch and or read Fox News, so that may not happen.

My only real concern is whether I could get in any kind of jam for either using or trying to sell the domain name.

Thanks in advance,

Ghost

[Atman]

1. Not if it's clearly a parody site

Frankly, even if its just a fanboy site, you're still pretty safe. Keep in mind though that anyone can sue you for anything. Doesn't mean it will hold up in court, or even make it that far...often the goal is simply to intimidate and/or break you, regardless of the merits.

That said, I think it's a great idea. I've always wanted to do a Mystery Science Theater approach; play clips while Democrats dissect and destroy the lies on-the-fly. Use the idea as a segment if you'd like...I won't sue you!

.

[BlooInBloo]

3. Might wanna consider getting satirists like Jesus' General to contribute a piece or 3.

[Ghost in the Machine]

12. any registered user can create an article...

fire away!

[cynatnite]

4. Love that idea...

MST3K rocked!

[Ghost in the Machine]

10. Ok, thanks...

I'm still mulling over ideas for what I want to do with it. Selling it for a good chunk of change would be nice :evilgrin:

I allow myself up to $20/week for registering domain names, in the hopes of selling one for a nice little profit. I look at it as being like buying lottery tickets, except I get to play for a year. I get some good deals from my registrar, and can sometimes register up to 20 domains for $20. I get encouraged by seeing domain names selling for $25,000 and up to $175,000 on the site I sell on, so it doesn't hurt to dream, right?

I like the idea of the Mystery Science Theater approach. Can you see Sen. Schumer and Sen. Kerry deconstructing a Bush or Gonzo tape??

[BridgeTheGap]

2. Hey, the "Yes Men" got away with it

with the world bank, changing it to .org instead of .com
And also "GeorgeBush.com" or something similar. I think if it's clearly a parody it's not an infringement. BUT, I am not an attorney - I only have a political science degree, which, with .50 cents will get you a cup of coffee (maybe!).

[Ghost in the Machine]

13. Thank you...

I was thinking of the ruling on www.paypalsucks.com .. they ruled it wasn't infringement on that one...

[Solon]

5. Parody is allowed, and its trademark that is covered under it...

Unless you are taking articles from Fox and "altering" them for parody purposes, you are still protected. Al Franken won a trademark case against Fox News over the phrase "Fair and Balanced" so you can even use that, in a parody or criticism, if you want to. All you have to have is a disclaimer on the site somewhere that's visible, it could be in small print at the bottom of the page, and the page itself can look EXACTLY like Fox News webpage, and you shouldn't have any problems.

[Ghost in the Machine]

14. Great information, thank you...

The only thing I know about Fox News is what I read here. I don't watch it or read their website, unless someone links to an article from here..

I think I'd stay away from using any of their graphics or anything, just to further avoid problems...

[Throwing Stones]

6. Almost certain that it would fall within fair use/parody doctrine

But don't think that Faux Noise's lawyers won't try to scare you - hell, they took Al Franken to court over "fair and balanced". Even though they got their asses handed to them by the judge, it cost Franken (or his publisher) $, although they made it back in spades with all the extra publicity.

[Ghost in the Machine]

18. They'd be in for a big suprise if they tried to get any money out of me..

I guess if it came down to it, I'd have to give in to them, because I sure don't have the money to fight them...

[Eugene]

7. New Corp./Fox News CAN take the domain from you.

I'm not a lawyer, but...

Fox News can go to WIPO arbitration as they have done
several times before. They would claim that your domain
infringes on their trademark. They can also use any intent
to sell the domain against you as a sign of a "bad faith"
registration.

At the very least, expect a fight when you get their
attention.

[Ghost in the Machine]

15. Wouldn't it only be bad faith if I approached *them* and offered to sell them

the domain name? the 'myfoxnews' part of it is what would be in play, and I could easily post news about the plight of the red fox, or report news on Michael J Fox and his struggle with Parkinson Disease..

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

17. Being that Fox News is readily identifiable, and the content would cinch it.

There's no way you'd win on that angle.

[Solon]

8. Here's an example of a parody...

Guess which site is for the REAL World Trade Organization:

http://www.gatt.org/

http://www.wto.org/

Notice that both use the same trademarked logo.

[DeSwiss]

9. Are you holding any auditions.....

...for satirists?

[Ghost in the Machine]

11. Feel free to write away..

I've got the site set up to where registered users can create content, make polls, or start a forum...

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

16. I wouldn't bother unless you've got the $$ to fight a lawsuit.

Legal or not, they WILL sue over it. Whether or not they win doesn't matter - they've got far more resources than you do and can simply run out the financial clock on you.

[Ghost in the Machine]

19. It would take a whole 5 mins to run out *my* financial clock..

I've only had the domain for a couple days so I haven't recieved any threats or anything, I'm just asking from a preemptive CYA standpoint..