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Realtor group wins challenge to its trademark designation
RealtorŪ mark is called 'valuable branding, marketing resource'

by Jeb Bing

The National Association of Realtors has won a challenge to the use of its trademark "Realtor" in a domain name operated by a former member.

NAR rules allow members to use its trademark in domain names according to specific requirements and rules.

After extensive but unsuccessful efforts by NAR to persuade the operator of the website GayRealtor.com to comply with those rules, NAR challenged the use of that domain name in an administrative proceeding before the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the body that governs use of such domain names.

In its decision, ICANN ruled that use of GayRealtor.com was misleading and not adopted in good faith.

NAR owns numerous U.S. trademark registrations for the term "Realtor," and only NAR members can use the Realtor marks in accordance with governing NAR by-laws.

Realtor marks can only be used in connection with a member's name or the legal name of his or her real estate firm to identify themselves as a member of NAR. Members are given notice of this obligation upon obtaining membership with the association. NAR also permits the use of the mark Realtor in a domain name or advertisement, but only in connection with the member's name or firm's name.

"The RealtorŪ mark is a valuable branding and marketing resource allowed only to NAR members," said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. "The term RealtorŪ is not only protected by federal law, but it is also a membership benefit that distinguishes members from all others in the real estate business.

"NAR works hard to protect the integrity of this brand for its 1 million members," Veissi added. "This victory is an important demonstration of how NAR does just that."

Posted by Homeowner, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Apr 13, 2012 at 9:49 am

Who cares... this is worthless real estate news.

How is the local market doing?

How about an interview with a local real estate agent?

How about interviewing someone looking for a home locally?

How many local homes are underwater and how is that affecting supply?

Is the archaic 6% selling fee changing?

There are tons of more interesting and relevant topics to run with. With a little work, this section of the PleasantonWeekly could shine instead of being an afterthought. Lately, the list of recent homes sold hasn't even been listed. Make this a reason to pick up the PleasantonWeekly!!!