Going thru the process to become a legit (licensed) builder.

I was just wondering if there is a way to check to ensure that business names I may come up with are not already being used- or even very similar to others being used. I want to avoid copying or even confusing people by having the same or close to the same name as someone else.

Any insight appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

Check with your state's fictitious name registration office.

You can also do a Google search on any idea you have which will provide not only info, but some other companies that are using names similar to that, and for that reason showing you why you might want to stay away from that idea

Example: If you wanted to name your business "Stiff rods" and a customer went looking for your business in the internet. They would most likely be directed to a Porno web page. Which could cost you business!

Ran into this problem helping another builder do what you are.

It does cost a bit of money but you can have an attorney look up registered and copyrighted names for you, not only locally or Statewide but across the country. Not all businesses are listed on the Internet.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Ganrude's Custom Rods
Fishing Rods For Any Situation

Ellis makes a good point. If you use YOUR name no fictious name
search is even needed! But.... how about "G-Man" Stix?

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Forget the attorney...
Figure out a name first, then just do a search for the US Patent Office and you can look on their trademark database for any name that has been trademarked. Then you can search for your secretary of state website and do the same search for any company name listed. After that, do some websearches in your area phone books for any name similar to the one you picked. Just work your way down the food chain.....
It is really pretty easy and you will be surprised how quick it is.

Good Luck,
Jon Gold

Thanks for the help

My first thought is to just use my initials

MG Custom rods

using my last name would certainly be more definitive and avoid any controversy (unless I have a long lost relative doing the same thing LOL)

Thanks again

One thing to keep in mind is that very few, if any, small companies have trademarked names, so any kind of a search isn't going to be very conclusive. and as long as someone in your immediate area isn't using it, there should be no confusion. I found out awhile ago that another builder on this board and I have been using basically the same name for many years Fish'n Stix by Fred and Mike Barkley's Fishn' Stix). We're at opposite ends of the country so it's no problem.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Hey Mark. . . I'd agree with Mike. Keep the process simple. Once you get lawyers involved, you'll be broke paying lawyer's fees with the money you were going to use to start up your business.

"Life is too short to fish with UGLY rods!"

Here in Alabama I use 'Jones Rod Building' and except for a few people asking what kind of hot rods (cars) I work on I've had no problems.

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

Mark..

I agree with most, and skip the attorney by all means! Like it was said, go to your states websight and type in the name of the business you want. If it is approved then do a copyright seach and WA-LAA!

Mine is Alaska Fish Stix, and I need to get off my a%$ and get it copyrighted before some seafood company wants to copyright it. But, since I have the name already listed, the State of Alaska will ot let that company register the same name as mine. I'm sure that if the company that wants my name and then applies for a copyright I would be out of luck though. Who knows....

paul

I might be wrong, but I don't think that a name can be copyrighted! It can be trademarked but it's very expensive. To put it in perspective, how many "Joe's Barber shop"s do you think there are?

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!