Can I Have “Co” in My Business Name?

It’s crucial to take into account a number of variables while selecting a business name, including the name’s availability and legality. One frequently asked topic is whether the letter “Co,” which stands for “company,” can be used into a business name. The quick answer is that you can use “Co” in your company name, however there are some requirements and limitations.

First off, it’s crucial to understand that simply adding “Co” to your company name does not transform it into a legal entity. You must register your company with your state as a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or other type of legal entity before you may legitimately conduct business as a corporation. This will entail submitting the needed documents and making the necessary payments.

When it comes to trademarking a company name that contains the letters “Co,” you can often do so provided that the name is distinct and not being used by another business. You can utilize a searchable database of registered trademarks maintained by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to see if the name you want is already taken. If so, you can submit a trademark application to the USPTO to prevent infringement on your company name.

What transpires, though, if two businesses share the same name? The majority of the time, the first business to use the name in commerce will have primacy and be permitted to keep using it. The two businesses could be allowed to coexist with the same name provided they serve distinct markets or industries and there is little chance of consumer confusion.

It is also feasible for two trademarks to share the same name, but in order to prevent customer confusion, they would need to be in different industries or have distinctive logos or designs. For instance, as long as the logos and designs are different, “Apple” could be the subject of both a trademark in the technological sector and a trademark in the culinary sector.

What transpires if your company name is trademarked? Your business name may be legally barred from use in specific situations if someone else registers a trademark for a name that is the same as or nearly identical to it. To learn your options and whether you can keep using the name, you might need to speak with a trademark lawyer.

In conclusion, it is possible to incorporate “Co” into your company name, but it’s crucial to fulfill all applicable legal requirements and take trademark protection into account to prevent potential legal disputes with other companies.