Choosing a name for your business is one of the first steps when beginning a new venture. You must first confirm that no other company is already using that name before you can begin utilizing it. You can follow these steps to see if a company name is already taken:
1. Perform an online search: This is the quickest way to determine if a company name has already been registered. Make a search for the name of the business you want to use using search engines like Google and Bing. If there is another business with that name, it ought should appear in the search results.
2. Check the business name database: To determine whether a company name is already in use, you can search the database in several nations. You can examine the Secretary of State’s database in the US state where you intend to register your firm. You may look something up in the Companies House database in the UK. 3. Use a trademark search tool: A company name may be trademarked even if it is not registered with the state or nation where you want to conduct business. Use the trademark search tools provided by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) or the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to look for trademarks. Can I Trademark a Name That’s Already Been Used? No, you are unable to register a trademark for a name that is currently in use by another business. Unique names and logos that set one company apart from another are protected by trademarks. Your trademark application will be denied if you attempt to register a name that is currently in use. The answer is no, two businesses cannot share the same trademark for the same good or service. The purpose of trademarks is to safeguard the distinctive identification of a company’s goods or services. Consumer misunderstanding may result from two companies using the same trademark. How Can I Protect My Company Name?
You can take precautions to protect your business name after selecting it and ensuring that it is not already in use. Registering your company name as a trademark is one approach to protect it. You will then have the sole right to use the name in relation to your goods or services.
A name cannot, regrettably, be protected by copyright for free. The purpose of copyrights is to safeguard original works of art, music, and literature. Titles and names are not protected by copyright. However, you can pay a fee to trademark your company name, giving you legal protection and the sole right to use the name.
Although it is not needed by law, trademarking your logo is strongly advised. By registering your logo as a trademark, you may prevent others from using it and increase brand awareness and legitimacy. Additionally, holding a trademark might make it simpler to file a lawsuit against anyone who violates the rights to your logo. However, the procedure for trademarking your logo can be complicated, so it’s advisable to speak with a legal expert to make sure you adhere to all requirements and stages.
You have two options for designing an LLC logo: either do it yourself or engage a qualified graphic designer. Consider your brand messaging, target market, and the colors and typefaces that will best represent your business when creating your logo. To prevent copyright infringement difficulties, it’s crucial to make sure your logo is original and not identical to any other logos already in use. Then, you may trademark your logo to keep it safe and strengthen the legitimacy of your brand.