| If you are already using a business name then, | | | | knowing it. If that is the case then you will run the |
| generally, the only way in which you can protect that | | | | risk of generating goodwill in a trademark that you |
| name is to register it as a trademark. Many people | | | | do not even own. Have you ever checked to see |
| assume that by simply registering a company name | | | | whether you are infringing an existing registered |
| with Companies House (through the formation of a | | | | trademark? The last thing you would want is to be |
| company) or registering a domain name with a | | | | sued for trademark infringement. Not only could this |
| registrar (through the formation of a domain name) | | | | expose you to unwelcome legal fees and court costs |
| that will be sufficient protection. Unfortunately, it is | | | | but you might also be saddled with the cost of |
| not enough. | | | | having to change your company name and re-brand |
| You can only obtain legal exclusivity through | | | | your goods and services. |
| registration of your trademark. If you choose not to | | | | How do I check that my business name isn't already |
| protect your trademarks (which can include company | | | | registered? |
| names and domain names) by registration you run | | | | You can complete a search yourself within the |
| the risk that someone else will register the name. If | | | | territory (i.e. country) of your choice. Most countries |
| this happens all of your hard work in establishing a | | | | have online databases which enable you to conduct a |
| brand and goodwill may be diminished (or even lost | | | | basic search. |
| entirely). | | | | If you're not familiar with trademark searching, then |
| Similarly, your name may already belong to someone | | | | offer a free search completed by trademark |
| else (as a registered trademark) without you | | | | experts, with no obligation. |