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7 Comments

  1. 1

    Jay

    Dave, I’m not a legal expert, and have already forgotten everything I was taught about intellectual property earlier this year, but can’t you argue that you’re not using the domain for commercial gain so it’s not in breach of their copyright/trademark?

  2. 2

    Dave Evans

    Jay,

    Thanks for your feedback mate – if there is anyone with legal experience I would love to hear from them.

    I’m going to be arguing that not only do I not get any commercial gain out of it but also that the word Speedo is generic. Kinda like Xeroxing. Speedo swimwear isn’t exclusive to the Speedo brand – how many times do I say AussieBum speedos for example.

    I lost a domain name this way a few years ago so I’m not optimistic but I’ll be giving it a try and I’ll post all the details here so perhaps if any of the readers (there are now over 3,000 readers of this blog a day) have ideas they can share them.

    Dave

  3. 3

    Big Jay

    Dave,

    If worst comes to worst what about http://www.swimwearguy.com?
    Not quite the same zing as speedoguy, but I like it.
    So are they going to sue everyone who says speedo or speedoguy?

    BigJay

  4. 4

    Dave Evans

    Big Jay,

    I like that domain as well – I’ll do some searches tonight and see what is available.

    Its not really a matter of me being sued – there is a process when the world internet body has a system where companies can stop other people hijacking domains. I shouldn’t be out of pocket as such but they can get the domain name.

    Dave

  5. 5

    Jay

    Yeah, corporations don’t really like people “domain squatting”… but most people who do that try to make money by selling some service from the domain or trying to sell the domain to the company who owns the brand/trademark etc of the word in the domain name.

    In my opinion I reckon Speedo are just trying to squash you because they can, not because it’s morally (or legally) wrong for you to use the domain ‘aussiespeedoguy.net’ – but I could be wrong. Chances are they’ll get their way because they’ve got the financial backing for a legal fight, and you kinda don’t.

    I’m not sure about the stance on the term “speedo” being generic now though. That’s like their trademark being watered down because it’s used to describe swimwear that isn’t even Speedo brand now, but on the converse side they might argue that they invented the name (back in the 1930s or whenever it was, assuming they even invented it). No one’s stupid enough to go around suing people for saying “I’m just off to Xerox a document”, but I’m betting if there was a website “xeroxguy.com” then Xerox would ask for that website to be taken down – even if it didn’t tarnish their brand or use it for commercial gain.

  6. 6

    adam

    Hi Dave,
    Dam i thought i was going to be your boyfriend lol.
    Anyhow i am really pleased for you,and have a great time
    in NEW ZEALAND,WHILE YOU ARE IN MY COUNTRY.

    Well names for this blog,what about WWW DAVES SWIMMERS BLOG.

    Take care,
    adam kiwi

  7. 7

    Posh Gay

    ouh
    I like theese boys!!!!!!!!
    mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

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