I'm starting a business (a record label), and I want to use "Transcendental Records" as the name for it; I've used the Google method but I don't know if those are actually legit labels or business names. I've seen the words come up one or two times but no official web site or anything; I mean, I'm actually filing for a business license as well as DBA license in Virginia and I don't want to get sued. How does this work? And if somebody has the same name in another state can they sue me? I find it hard to believe that no two businesses have the same name. Please help!
2006-11-08 11:24:58 · 3 answers · asked by Craig 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
I listed some links where you can do some preliminary name checking. However, please be aware that this is merely scratching the surface of what's out there.
Only comprehensive research will tell you if the name is truly available. But, these links are free & a great place to start, so I'd try them out first.
Comprehensive research consists of looking at marks that are similar in Sound, Appearance or Meaning in the pending & registered Federal AND State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files.
There are other sites that offer free searching capabilities in conjunction with their commercial services, so I'm not able to post those links due to the Yahoo! TOS. You'll also want to check domain names & yellow pages, so simply do a search for "free domain name search" and "national yellowpages" and the appropriate links will pop up.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-11-09 04:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT PANIC CRAIG!!! Lol the company with the same name would start by blocking and copyrighting all labels T.M.'s and or logos on the post sight. . . Therefore it would be very hard to get sued unless they had labeled their poston all business majoring sites. . . Besides a counter- sue for un business relates transactions on their part would always work as well if they had not posted their name.
2006-11-08 19:29:31 · answer #2 · answered by BeshBeshBeshBeshBeshBeshBeshBesh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.uspto.gov (that's the trademark office) run the name and see what comes up, also write to the Virginia Secretary of State for the same information.
2006-11-09 03:09:32 · answer #3 · answered by PALADIN 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋