Copyright problem?

[ZetaBot]

Hi,
I recently bought a web domain which I will refer to as "superbot.com".
I then found out that a guy wrote a book which was a spoof of Transformers and contained characters that are called "superbots".
Does this mean I can't use this domain?

[JLeezer]

It depends...

Did he copyright or trademark his "superbot" name?

Do you intend on using the site to showcase an Transformer-like characters?

Also, is this author in the position to do anything about it? Or even care?

[ZetaBot]

I searched the online databases for patents and copyrights and I didn't see it in there.
So that name is not automatically copyrighted when he publishes the book with the characters in it?
If it's not in the Trademark or Copyright databases I'm fine?

[dropbox247]

Your website name wouldn't happen to be 'zetabot.com' would it?

[ZetaBot]

No, it isn't zetabot.com.
I'm using hypothetical names since the site is still under development, but the thing about the book is true. A guy published a storybook which had characters with the name that my domain uses.

[ZetaBot]

Also, the web site will have sort of a robotic/sci-fi theme, and will contain a blog, and a bunch of really cool music and content that I make myself as well as links to other things that I find to be incredibly cool.

[2gould]

I suggest you consult with an attorney. An attorney will probably be able to give you quick answer to this question.

[BusinessAdviser]

2gould's given you the best advice yet.

[outsourcingcheck]

be safe in choosing in domain name. you know your site must be original and that might be a big problem if the site is copied.