Legal use of a domain name

[rudy2]

I am setting up a new company web site with a new domain url. A search was made on Network Solutions and the name we want is available. Does this mean that we can legally use the name? Any feedback would be appreciated before we pay for the name and invest in the branding.

[veehill]

It is highly recommended that you conduct a trademark search before registering your new domain name. If someone holds a legal trademark on a name you use, there could be a breach of trademark suit or at a minimum a demand that you stop using it and this can be very costly. Searches can be done on-line at several sites including register.com and they are free in Canada through the Industry Canada web site.