Business name for a sole trader?

Question

I have got my heart set on a name for the web based retail business i am in the process of starting up and i will be operating as a sole trader. However, i have now discovered that there is a company already registered with companies house with the same name. They are a limited company.
Can i still use the name?

Answer 1

Uno Exports
Solo Enterprises
Mi Internation
The Only One For You Inc,

Hey man just play around with names.

Answer 2

If setting up as a sole trader, there is not really such a thing as a register. However, what you could do is send a letterhead to yourself in a sealed envelope. When you receive it back, keep it sealed. That way, if someone tries to steal your company name, you can hand the sealed envelope, with postmark, to the Judge in a Civil Court, and they open it to see dated proof you had dibs on the name. Thats a super cheap way to copyright something. Any smart business man looks out for people al;ready using a company or business name to avoid such things.

Answer 3

I would be very careful as there is a great danger that you could be considered as 'passing off' or pretending to be that company to benefit from customers goodwill. In the worst case some people who know the main firm may get the (wrong) impression that you are setting up a scam.

One way of getting round it would be to add a location e.g. Joe Bloggs Peckham retail or failing that make sure everything on the site is marked as Joe Bloggs T/A Coffins are us - and maybe adding a disclaimer - "Joe Bloggs Boots is in no way related to Boots PLC" - and maybe adding a link to the other company's website - this shows that you are trying to be considerate.

the greater the effort you make in distinguishing yourself the better.

Answer 4

Please don't.

There are many reasons why you should not use a name already in use.

As the name is already regisitered at Companies House, if you use it, that company can accuse you of passing off. If they sue you, they are likely to win, you will incur legal costs, lose a lot of money and completely damage your reputation in the process.

Even if they don't come after you, you may find yourself spending a lot of time (and money) trying to differentiate yourself from that other company. That will be a waste because you can actually spend that time and effort advertising and branding your new business.

So, please choose a different name.
You will be glad you did.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Business in Barnet
http://www.business-in-barnet.com

Answer 5

Trotters sole traders...Only fools and horses.
Not sure but surely if you were to make a subtle change in the spelling it would be okay?

Answer 6

You can always use "Heart and Sole". If you also dealt in deer meat, it would be Hart and Sole. (Couldn't pass up the pun.)

The first name can be tied into promoting the fish on the grounds that it is cardiac-friendly

Answer 7

Yes, but you can't be limited or register it with companies house and they might not like it if they find out!

Answer 8

Bad idea. You make the company what it is, not the name.

What the hell is Reebock? Adidas? The Gap? 7-UP?

It's all about branding, baby.

Answer 9

I believe you can but I wouldn't. Try to brainstorm off your original idea and come with something better. I think it would cause some confusion to your consumer and possibly theirs.

Answer 10

-no,.if your type of business is fish.,,
- I take it you would like to be an exclusive company,right ?after all, competition is your downfall.,oh and names are just for identity and marketing stunts,.
good luck,.., bye