Copyright issue re: website.

JoshyBoy_2

Hi all just need some advice re: copyright fears.

This may seem inappropriate and I may drift off so apologies in advance and bare with me.

I plan on creating a gaming competition website. My overall idea would offer cross game league tables as well as individual league tables in separate games (i.e adds FIFA league to say Gears league etc and totals up scored for an overall league) Firstly this is starting out as a Facebook group between mates, but I will look at other games in time. I would like to set up a website so my friends can look at league tables, arrange matches and so on.

However like I say, I would like to expand into other games other than FIFA, but that will all be in good time.

I've also thought of a name which is very similar to something I’ve just today come across, with the exception of one word (I promise I've only just seen this site) quite worried if I go ahead this will infringe on copy right.


The site in question is named Console Gaming League, my domain is National Console Gaming League.com.


First and foremost I want this to work out as something to enjoy between mates. I've already purchased said domain and I did plan on setting up the internet site. Even if it turns out to just be a close network of mates looking at it for league info etc. I do want to ensure I’m not breaking any laws etc.



Firstly I plan to sort out the league competition with mates, sort out a plan to expand to public and then go from there.

I've asked around on a few forums (FIFA, PS3, XBOX forums) the idea seems to be mixed tbh, but I really do believe there is a market for league based console gaming, if done correctly. Maybe it's me being naive but maybe people are sceptical of an idea, and would take a different attitude if the idea was real and there in front of them so to speak?

I will of course take my time in thinking this through. I kind of expect this to not take off, but then again you never know, but just want to be sure on potential copyright issues. Will the domain name being very similar to a similar website matter? Does the ‘league’ Idea infringe on copy right?

So yeah starting very small with honest intentions between friends, but just double checking I’m not breaking the law and seeking general advice.

Thanks in advance.

victor2

A similar name does not matter, unless you are seen to potentially be mimicking the other site and benefitting in it from some way.
Of more concern could be where you are getting the data from for your league tables. If you are just grabbing it from another site, then I'd be looking at their terms and conditions for using the data.

JoshyBoy_2

This is my worry the name is similar it's the same but for one word. I.e I have 'National' at the beginning of my name.

This website also offers competition gaming.

However like I say, right now this is just for me and friends as some fun. The data (I.e game results) is collected by me as I'm present when games take place.

I'm just thinking really far ahead and planning if this ever takes off (I'm thinking word of mouth mainly)

One issue is how to collect result data, which I'm working on.

But mainly I just want to ensure no laws are being broke by having a similar name, and very much a similar idea (although the other website doesn't 'merge' other leagues to create a 'all in one' league, like my ultimate plan would be. It also doesn't offer FIFA 13 leagues or competitions, which is my initial idea and where I'm starting from.

JoshyBoy_2

I'm obviously trying to think of another name, and contacted my domain provider with the possibility of changing domain name. But the name I have is one I really like!

victor2

Keep the domain you have. You can always register another and have both pointing at the same site. Maybe you can come up with a shorter name loosely made up from the initials or something like that. No use trying to create one from current words as you end up having to string them together, as you have probably found already!

JoshyBoy_2

Thanks for that, the main thing like I say, is copyright issues. I'm genuinely worried that I may get sued, even if this is just for fun.

In terms of names, it's really hard to come up with something catchy that I like!

Ectophile

The question is not so much copyright as trademark. If they have trademarked their name, then they may argue that your is confusingly similar.

If they win, your site is likely to be shut down - which isn't going to help a small start-up business.

Sparhawke

I have taken a look, and while I may not see any copyright or trademark issues I think you should take a look at your strategy...to come out with an identikit idea of a website with a longer name based on thiers to me is quite frankly not only stupid but insane, if you got traffic you would only end up driving it to them.

Get an unrelated domain

JoshyBoy_2

Thanks all, I've cancelled my domain (it's literally hours old so I was able to do so) just thinking of a website name now. Which is difficult!

DavidFx

Shorter URLs are much easier to enter.

Natcongame.com Natcongaming.com or natconleague.com are all available as are the .co.uk which are much cheaper!

Ectophile

Or just pick a completely random, but easily memorable, name.

After all, everyone knows that if you want to buy a book online, you can go to a site named after a South American river.