You can send a cease-and-desist letter; if that does not work, you can litigate. Consult an experienced intellectual property lawyer to help you prepare for your trademark registration and represent you in any legal action you may decide to take to preserve your rights.
What to do if a company is using your name?
If someone uses your name, simply showing proof that you’ve trademarked the name could be enough to convince a business to choose something else. Most importantly, if you must go to court, you’ll have legal proof that you registered the name. However, you don’t have to trademark your business name to protect it.
Can 2 companies have the same name?
Can Two Companies Have the Same Name? Yes, however, certain requirements must be met in order for it to not constitutes trademark infringement and to determine which party is the rightful owner of the name.
Does registering a company protect the name?
Incorporating a new company will prevent other businesses from registering the same, or a very similar, company name to yours. A trade mark is a sign which can distinguish your goods and services from those of your competitors. Registering a company name does not automatically protect it by trade mark law.
Can a company sue for using their name?
Thus, only individuals can sue for unlawful use of name or likeness, unless a human being has transferred his or her rights to an organization. Note that companies may sue you for trademark infringement and unfair competition if you exploit their brand names for commercial purposes.
How many companies have the same name?
Remember, it is possible for two businesses to own the same or similar marks (e.g., Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets). The guiding principle is consumer confusion. If the two marks identify different products and operate in different markets, consumers are not likely to be confused.
Can I protect my company name as a sole trader?
You can protect your name in a variety of ways. Even if you are trading as a sole trader or partnership, the company name can remain dormant until you wish to change your trading status. Protecting your rights is easier and less expensive if you have a formal monopoly on a particular trademark.
What happens if two companies have the same name?
By choosing the same name as another business, you risk being forced to change your name or even pay monetary damages to the other company. Sharing a name with another company can also make it difficult to register trademarks for your own business.
How do I protect my business name?
Trademark. A trademark can protect the name of your business, goods, and services at a national level. Trademarks prevent others in the same (or similar) industry in the United States from using your trademarked names.
Can someone steal my business name?
If you have a unique brand name or logo, protect it. It is a simple thing for someone to snatch it out from under you and claim ownership of it. Your first step should be to register the name as a trademark. You can do this online through a number of services or hire an attorney.
