Can I use any seller's name on ebay ???

PhillyJoe

There is a coin dealer on ebay who uses the name of Wayne Gretsky as his handle. I doubt it's really Wayne Gretsky, but imagine if he was selling hockey pucks. What's to stop me from using, say Rick Tomaska, or another dealer's name as my handle. I might get more bids on my coins. Can I do this?
Forget the morality part, just looking at the legal side. What if I registered as Wm. J. Clinton and I was trying to sell the Arkansas quarters. Hmmmm....

Joe

nwcs

You can use whatever, but be prepared for a battle or rename if a legal entity baring a similar name muscles in. For example, say you are Microsoft_Coins. I think Microsoft would object if they found out about it. And ebay would jump.

Wardhaines

I think the real Wayne Gretsky is supposed to be a very active collector. I wonder if the ebay gretsky knows this and is using the name for this angle.

gemseeker

As far as I know, there isn't any rule on the use of a seller name except where profanity is used. It should only be looked at as an auction ID and not directly connected to the person's actual identity. I don't see where any handle name is copyrighted and as long as that person's personal information is not part of your use of that handle name, it should be Ok to use it.

robertpr

I know Gretsky is a big collector of sportscards (I believe he still owns the PSA 8 T206 Honus Wagner Strip) but I don't think he's into coins......is he?