Hello there,

I just wondered if it may be a problem in case I pick a "similar" name but not in fashion of "Call of Duuty". More like similar to name of series, something like for example "SimPlanet" which may remind Sim Series from Maxis. Can I use it if they have no trademark?

Considering even Google had problems with GMail, ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gmail#Trademark_disputes )

Is it "even" wiser than usual to trademark anyway to avoid any problem. In case of having trademark, does it have to be US one to avoid Maxis?

Also does applying first at any country give you any advantage? Or just have to apply asap in all countries to protect it? (I read some about Madrid Protocol but still not sure)

1. I just wondered if it may be a problem in case I pick a "similar" name but not in fashion of "Call of Duuty". More like similar to name of series, something like for example "SimPlanet" which may remind Sim Series from Maxis.
2. Can I use it if they have no trademark?
3. Is it ... wiser... to trademark anyway to avoid any problem.
4. In case of having trademark, does it have to be US one
5. to avoid Maxis?
6. Also does applying first at any country give you any advantage?
7. Or just have to apply asap in all countries to protect it? (I read some about Madrid Protocol but still not sure)

Um, Geneva Convention was about wartime humanitarian issues. You probably meant Berne Convention, which dealt with copyright.

1. I just wondered if it may be a problem in case I pick a "similar" name but not in fashion of "Call of Duuty". More like similar to name of series, something like for example "SimPlanet" which may remind Sim Series from Maxis.
2. Can I use it if they have no trademark?
3. Is it ... wiser... to trademark anyway to avoid any problem.
4. In case of having trademark, does it have to be US one
5. to avoid Maxis?
6. Also does applying first at any country give you any advantage?
7. Or just have to apply asap in all countries to protect it? (I read some about Madrid Protocol but still not sure)

1. Yes. It may be a problem.
2. No. If someone is using a title, that is their trademark, whether or not they've registered it, and you should stay away from it.
3. Yes. Because the title search is part of that process.
4. No. You can file a trademark in your own country (I assume your country is a signatory to the Berne Convention).
5. What? This would be easier instead of specific company names you just referred to "trademark owner."
6. I don't know. Ask a lawyer.
7. I never heard of the Madrid Protocol. Look up the Berne Convention.

First, thanks for reply.

1,2,3,4,6,7 - Actually my case was for a name they didn't use before, ( Sim923847ekasjhdasjhdkj for sake of simplicity ) but seems "using" first gives you an advantage. So what I intend is using this name then apply for registering trademark.

5 - Maxis was just example, I held no grudge against them :)

Btw, another question arises, what should I understand of "using" in a game? Having a website?

what should I understand of "using" in a game? Having a website?

Please restate the question using different words (and more words). It's not clear what you are asking.

what should I understand of "using" in a game? Having a website?

Please restate the question using different words (and more words). It's not clear what you are asking.

Oh, my bad.

2. No. If someone is using a title, that is their trademark, whether or not they've registered it, and you should stay away from it.

I mean what makes someone using a title, writing somewhere once? having domain? an official paper?

or are these all subjective?

I mean what makes someone using a title, writing somewhere once? having domain? an official paper?

I thought you were asking about game titles. Game titles and company names (and yes, website domains) are protected by trademark. That's what we're talking about, is it not?

Somebody using words in an article is a matter of copyright, not trademark. You don't have to concern yourself about somebody who used words in an article.

If somebody names a pastry the same thing you name your company, the public will not be confused that maybe your company (a game company) created that pastry, or that that pastry maker now also makes games. So there is not likely to be a problem between pastries and games.

I mean what makes someone using a title, writing somewhere once? having domain? an official paper?

I thought you were asking about game titles. Game titles and company names (and yes, website domains) are protected by trademark. That's what we're talking about, is it not?

Somebody using words in an article is a matter of copyright, not trademark. You don't have to concern yourself about somebody who used words in an article.

If somebody names a pastry the same thing you name your company, the public will not be confused that maybe your company (a game company) created that pastry, or that that pastry maker now also makes games. So there is not likely to be a problem between pastries and games.

I give up :)

I also checked local law sources here (in Turkey) , seems domain registration and marketing activities are considered enough for most cases.

Thanks again

I also checked local law sources here (in Turkey) , seems domain registration and marketing activities are considered enough for most cases.