Advocating searching in various forms, your name and blog name as well as buying the domain names for both has been posted on this blog for years. *
That has changed as now there are people using and/or plan to use Salty Pumpkin as their business name.
In other words, all the years You put into building your blog name means nothing unless maybe you can register it as a trademark. I state maybe because I don’t know US Trademark rules.
Is it fair for bloggers to not have legal protection for their blog name?
I believe it is not fair.
I want to see copyright laws keep up with the times by adding a rule that protects blogs from people who try to capitalize on that blog’s years of publishing.
If an active blog with a unique name has been publishing weekly with the same title for 5 years or more, has an active comment feature, and posts images, then that blog’s title should be protected by copyright.
I believe using a blog’s unique name is a form of impersonation.
*This post has been edited to make it shorter
Also, Internet search results for salty pumpkin are not the same as hours ago. Now the results show this blog on top (as it use to).
Usually if one picks out a wonderful blog name, and there is already a blog with that name, they don't use it anymore and keep thinking of another blog name. It's just common courtesy. ; )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri,
DeleteUnfortunately, there are people that don’t practice common courtesy.. I know there are people that probably don’t make a connection with what is fair. The shock of discovering a website some might think is me selling things is disturbing.
May
You've just sent me off to consult my blog name with Mr. Google and it appears, at least so far, I'm the one and only. I think you're right though - if a blog is active and has been in use for a number of years, then it should be covered with copyright.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
DeleteYou use your blog name as part of your selling.
Common law use is an issue I need to research. The major problem is
laws value commerce over a blogger’s reputation or use of the name.
May
I agree completely.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie!
DeleteA band wagon can be for the good. Writing the right wording to describe the issue is daunting.
May
So true!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marie!
DeleteLots of research to do before sending letters to legislators.
May