Hi,
I recently came across an available domain containing the word playboy and I was wondering if registering this name is a sure way to get sued by said company?
The domain is not in the english language and I searched around and found some sites containing the word playboy in them, but I`m still having second thoughts.
Any advise?

You generally don't get in trouble for using the word (it is a dictionary word after all), it's the *use* of the word that'll get you in trouble. I'm sure they have a few trademarks (not just for the magazine), so a review of them would save you from having to deal with it later.

ditto

yep, as long as you arent directly infringing any trademarks you should be ok :)

Just because "Playboy" hasn't gone after some domain owners doesn't mean they won't go after you. Is it really worth registering? You can't think of anything else?. If you do register it, then make it a popular website, you can expect to hear from playboy's lawyers.

Actually, Playboy is VERY agressive in protecting their mark. I would seriously advise you against registering anything with the word "playboy" in it.

Unless you register it for the purpose of showing what a playboy
you are. :D

Seriously speaking, how do you intend to use the name?

And what's so bad about getting sued?

If you don't mind giving up the name if Playboy should demand it, then you've got nothing to worry about. And you won't get sued either, because Playboy would do that only if you didn't comply with a less formal demand.

If your real concern is losing the use of the domain name, then ask about that instead of about getting sued.

It's very unlikely, unless you had a defimation of character site (playboysucks.com) or made false statements about Playboy in general, that you would be in any legal trouble. I'm affliates with someone who uses a domain called pepsi-soda AND my mom owns one of the daydream-believers out there. Never have they gotten into legal trouble by Pepsi OR the Monkees. :) If you use it for a personal site, Playboy shouldn't really give you a hard time about it.

As someone pointed out playboy(and many other companies) are fiercely protective of their brand. It is not worth the legal costs involved to register one of these names.

Originally posted by dmaven
As someone pointed out playboy(and many other companies) are fiercely protective of their brand. It is not worth the legal costs involved to register one of these names.

Well said. You took the words right out of my mouth!

Originally posted by dmaven
It is not worth the legal costs involved to register one of these names.

But let me reiterate that the legal costs are about 37 cents if you don't intend to fiercely defend your own use of Playboy's brand. All you have to do is answer the first letter with, "Based on your opinion that this infringes your brand, I've transferred the domain to you as you requested."

Why bother? What do you gain that is my point.