Using the word CrossFit for a blog/website/facebook group?

[Rob Brown]

I was considering blogging about Crossfit, specifically something like "NewAtCrossFit.com". Eventually, I would try to attract some minor cost balancing revenue through ads.

My question is, is there an official way to blog and about CF without getting into hot water. .. my thought is that it would not usually be a problem until I tried to monetize for ads.

Thanks!

[Andrew Crowe]

Hi Rob, my advice would be to just e-mail CFHQ direct and ask them. I've found them to be exteremly helpful with questions relating to the setup etc of our new box and tend to get a response extremely quickly. At least that way it from the horses mouth, and not possibly incorrect info..?

Andrew

[Jeff Stanek]

While you're free to create a blog about CrossFit, I think using the word "CrossFit" in the website title will throw some red flags.

[Rob Brown]

Originally Posted by Jeff Stanek

While you're free to create a blog about CrossFit, I think using the word "CrossFit" in the website title will throw some red flags.

That's where I was thinking I'm hitting a gray area. .. Using CF in the name would be good to drive traffic, but it also takes advantage of the brand. I'm not against paying for it, more wondering where my idea stands. I'll drop them a line personally.

[Ron White]

I would imagine as long as you were not intending to make money off the CrossFit name that you would be alright. I would also imagine that they would encourage it if you're telling your story.

[Erik Glynn]

Be careful.

We were in the process of becoming an affiliate and created a Facebook group called "Alabama CrossFit". But we soon got an email from a CrossFit HQ Lawyer asking us (politely) to take the site down until we were official.

Just a heads up.

[Stefan Westernacher]

Same problem here. So what happened to your blog? Did you get a response from HQ?

[Chris Heuwetter]

As long as you stick to journalism/blogging and don't try to cash in on the CrossFit trademark you're pretty safe. Just like I could start a blog tomorrow about the NBA and use the NBA brand name as long as I'm just reporting/discussing news about the sport.

There will be an issue if you're actually successful and want to start selling products/apparel/etc and your brand includes the CrossFit trademark, that won't fly.