Can Someone Steal My Business Name by Registering It as a Trademark?

Can someone steal my business name by registering it as a trademark?
Anyone can snatch up a business name and use it for their own business. There’s no one uniform database or agency that ensures only one business is using a specific business name. That’s how we often see very similar company names that aren’t related by franchise or corporate ownership from one state to another.

You could believe that the name you chose for your new company is exclusive to you when you first launch it. However, another party may register your company name as a trademark and benefit from it. Any business owner may find this to be an expensive and irritating affair. This essay will examine if someone can use your company name as a trademark to their detriment and what you can do to safeguard your company.

Can Two Businesses Share a Name?

Yes, two businesses may share the same name, but with some restrictions. The two businesses may share the same name if they serve distinct markets and provide unique goods and services. The two businesses cannot share the same name if they are in the same industry and provide comparable goods or services. This is due to the possibility of customer confusion and consequent harm to both firms. How Can I Protect My Company Name?

The easiest approach to safeguard your company name is to file a trademark application for it. A brand name, logo, or phrase that indicates the source of a good or service is protected by law as a trademark. You can stop people from using your company name without your consent by filing it as a trademark. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is where you can submit a trademark application.

How Much Does It Cost to Copyright a Name in This Case?

A name cannot be copied righted. Books, music, and other creative works of art are protected by copyright. However, as was already indicated, you can file a trademark application for your company name. The price of trademark registration can change depending on the kind of brand, how many classes you wish to register, and other elements. A few hundred to a few thousand dollars can generally be expected to pay for the service.

What Is the Price to Register a Trademark?

Depending on the type of trademark and the number of classes you intend to register, the cost of trademark registration can change. The filing fee levied by the USPTO can range from $225 to $400 per class. You could also need to spend extra money on hiring an attorney to help you with the application procedure. A trademark registration might cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars overall.

In conclusion, your company name can be stolen by someone who registers it as a trademark, but you can safeguard your company by doing the same. Additionally, if two businesses are in distinct industries, they might share the same name. The best course of action if you want to safeguard your company name is to register it as a trademark. The cost of trademark registration can vary, but it’s an investment worth making to stop someone from exploiting your name without your consent.

FAQ
You can also ask can two businesses have the same logo?

It is conceivable for two firms to have logos that are the same or very similar, however this might cause consumer confusion and legal problems. Before creating or utilizing a logo, it is advised to perform a comprehensive trademark search to make sure it does not infringe on any already-registered trademarks. Additionally, trademark registration for your logo might offer legal defense and stop others from utilizing a similar design.