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Updated about 7 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

28,057
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41,063
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Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
41,063
Votes |
28,057
Posts

Legal question concerning LLC name

Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
ModeratorPosted

I am preparing to set up another LLC. I came up with a name based on a Bible verse that has to do with financial wisdom. I searched my state and the name is available. However, I did a Google search and discovered the name is used by a major corporation. The name isn't something obvious like "Nike" or "Microsoft" so nobody would necessarily tie the name to the corporation but I don't want to get in trouble.

Do I need to check to see if the name is copyrighted?

  • Nathan Gesner
business profile image
The DIY Landlord Book
4.7 stars
165 Reviews

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

28,057
Posts
41,063
Votes
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
41,063
Votes |
28,057
Posts
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
ModeratorReplied

It has the "®" symbol but I didn't understand who they were registered with. I've now learned that it means the trademark is registered with the US Trademark Office and it applies across all states. Easy enough.

I went to the United States Patent and Trademark Office site and searched their database. Sure enough, the name is trademarked. 

I dug deeper and read this: "Note that the identical mark could be registered to different parties if the goods and/or services are in no way related, e.g., for computers and soft drinks." My purpose will be for real estate investments. Their purpose is to provide grant money for start-ups in the food service industry. Except for the name, there's nothing in my business that would be confused for theirs, particularly if I'm just using it to hold property.

  • Nathan Gesner
business profile image
The DIY Landlord Book
4.7 stars
165 Reviews

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