Someone using my business name

[angie32]

I have had a little business going since May but have noticed that someone has the same sign in name as my business on one of the forums I use. I was totally shocked when I saw it as I had checked the business register etc
I dont think they live near me and Im not the type to get all stupid and upset about it, these things cant be helped afterall Im just not sure if to make the person aware that I use that name? I dont want them to think Im putting a claim on it or being grouchy and I would hate it if they decided to get all silly about the situation.
What to do?

 

[Sarah-Jean]

Are you a sole trader? Or Ltd. company? Are they? Is it just the sign in name that's the same, or do they have a business of the same name?

 

[angie32]

I am a sole trader and I think she is to. I get the idea that her sign in name is the name of her business

 

[Lorrainelola]

Being a sole trader you don't register a business name. So its Joe Blogs Trading as xxxx. Therefore you can have lots of names that are the same but the first name will always be your own. Does that make sense. I know what I'm trying to say. Having said that, if the business is very near yours its a bit cheeky to use the same name. That person may genuinely not know you have the same names.

 

[smooth]

It would only cause a problem if they were a ltd company as they could force you to change your business name

 

[My Gorgeous Bod]

Well, I quickly checked to see if it was my sign in name but I don't think it is!

So, thinking about it and if I was the one, then I would not mind in the least receiving a nice little email from you letting me know the situation and hoping we could just talk about it. You already accept these things happen and it is better that we each know in case it makes a difference in any way for each of us. Better to know now than further down the line. That would be my feeling on it.

Caroline x

 

[Lynne Baker]

There are hundreds of businesses with the same name. Just think of all the "Headlines" hair salons there are!
Even if you've trademarked a name if the big boys decide they want it unless you're as rich as Croesus you stand no chance of fighting it. I believe it was either Number 1 Kitty or Persianista who have 1st hand experience of this.
Moor Spa had someone passing themselves off as them and successfully fought it, but that's about fraud rather than a lack of creativity re the name.
I wouldn't worry about it to be honest, especially as they're not in your locality.

 

[skymark]

Im not wanting to sound harsh, but I dont know what the problem is. We all know that as sole traders we take risks with many things including the business name. Many businesses have the same name and this person doesnt live in your area so there wont be any confusion and they are not trying to pose as your business or fool the public in anyway.

These days you will be hard pressed to find a beauty type business name that hasnt been done before.