What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland
I recently embarked on new adventure (planning stages) of starting my own business and today I finally decided on the business name. I checked with my state and the name was available. I went to godaddy.com to check on availability of name/.com and it was also available so I paid for 3 year registration.
After sharing my great news with a close family friend, I learned that the name I chose was also a well known establishment in another state. But I figured I was OK because the domain was available and in my state the name is available. The problem is the business name is the same. The only difference is the spelling of the 2nd part of the name. Also, theirs is brick and mortar, while mine would eventually be mobile.
As I researched more online, I read that there was a very high chance the other company would come after me, 1st with a cease and desist letter, making me change the name, or by suit - with reason of infringement. They have three trademarks on their business - standard character Mark,gift cards/other supplies, and logo.
Finally, I found ANOTHER company with the SAME name, in another state (no.com but same name) same business who's also been around a while.
I am just so confused on what I can, should, or should not do at this point. Can anyone please help me make sense of all of this?
I recently embarked on new adventure (planning stages) of starting my own business and today I finally decided on the business name. I checked with my state and the name was available. I went to godaddy.com to check on availability of name/.com and it was also available so I paid for 3 year registration.
After sharing my great news with a close family friend, I learned that the name I chose was also a well known establishment in another state. But I figured I was OK because the domain was available and in my state the name is available. The problem is the business name is the same. The only difference is the spelling of the 2nd part of the name. Also, theirs is brick and mortar, while mine would eventually be mobile.
As I researched more online, I read that there was a very high chance the other company would come after me, 1st with a cease and desist letter, making me change the name, or by suit - with reason of infringement. They have three trademarks on their business - standard character Mark,gift cards/other supplies, and logo.
Finally, I found ANOTHER company with the SAME name, in another state (no.com but same name) same business who's also been around a while.
I am just so confused on what I can, should, or should not do at this point. Can anyone please help me make sense of all of this?