Starting a new business? It is important to check whether your name – even if you have a good domain name isn’t taken by someone else.

Starting a business is an incredibly exciting adventure filled with numerous important decisions, and one of the very first and most crucial choices you will face is selecting the perfect business name. While it might appear straightforward to simply pick a name that sounds appealing or catchy, it is absolutely essential to conduct thorough research before making your final decision.

Investing the time to carefully evaluate and analyze your business name at this early stage can help you avoid significant problems, legal issues, and frustrations down the road, ensuring a smoother journey for your new venture.

Avoid Costly Legal Issues

One of the most significant risks associated with selecting a business name without conducting thorough and proper research is the potential for trademark infringement issues. Even if your business operates within a completely different industry or is located in a different geographical region, having a business name that sounds similar or is spelled similarly to an existing trademark can lead to serious legal disputes.

If another company has already registered or trademarked a name that closely resembles yours, you may be compelled to change your business name after several years of operation. This process can be both expensive and highly detrimental to your brand identity, causing confusion among customers and loss of brand recognition you worked hard to build.

Protect Your Brand Identity

Your business name plays a crucial role as a fundamental part of your overall brand identity. Changing your business name after you have already established customer recognition and loyalty can lead to confusion among your audience and potentially undermine the trust you have worked hard to build.

By conducting thorough research before finalizing your business name, you can make sure that it is unique, memorable, and stands out effectively in the competitive marketplace. This careful preparation helps you create a strong and lasting brand foundation right from the very beginning of your business journey.

Secure Your Online Presence

Finding an available domain name that matches your business name can be challenging. While you might find a domain that works, it doesn’t guarantee you’re free from trademark issues. Proper research, including consultation with a trademark attorney, ensures you’re not only securing a domain but also protecting your rights to use that name in commerce.

Gain Peace of Mind with Expert Advice

Trademark law can be quite complex and intricate, with many subtle nuances involving name similarity, industry classification, and geographic restrictions that aren’t always immediately obvious or easy to understand.

Consulting with a professional who has a thorough understanding of trademarks can be extremely beneficial in helping you navigate through these complexities with confidence. They have the expertise to perform comprehensive and detailed searches and can offer valuable guidance on the most effective strategies to legally protect your business name and ensure it remains secure in the marketplace.

We can help you start your business the right way

With offices in both Missouri and Illinois, we conveniently help founders start their business the right way. Contact us for an initial consultation.