Similar named companies??

[cheeky_chops]

Hi, been doing a 1 year sports massage course and about to qualify so now looking to set up name and get logos, advertising etc. Concerned about registered names, ltd companies.

Nothing too out there with the name, just "Solihull Sports Massage" - there are no limited companies registered, a search of google brings back numerous sites but mainly "solihull injuries" or "solihull physio" etc. There is a www.solihullsportsmassage.co.uk site. Ive registered www.solihullsportsmassage.com and facebook.com/solihullmassage as a starter.

Am i worrying over nothing?? Dont want to tread on peoples toes but also want a sensible name that reflects who, what and where i am

[jammy_basturd]

I wouldn't be worried about treading on anyone's toes as it doesn't look like that other organisation are actually trading as Solihull Sports Massage.

The main thing I'd be worried about is if you were to become relatively successful, whether you'd lose some of your own sales leads to the .co.uk website because people think it's you.

[cheeky_chops]

hmm, thanks. Good point re lost sales. I suppose it could work both ways!!

[muppetdave]

I don't think I'd worry too much on the Ltd company side of things. Worst case scenario (and probably unlikely) someone might object and you have to take a rethink. Agreed on the .co.uk side of things though (although , and would also raise using that facebook name as some people 'may' think of it on another less above board basis! is solihullsportsmassage taken there?

[Eric Mc]

Companies House themselves will block you from registering a limited company with a name that is already registered with them.

Note - you are setting up and registering the actual COMPANY at Companies House, not just a company name.

Why do you want to set up as a limited company?

[Billsnemesis]

The technical term for using a name that is too close to an existing business is "passing off". There is lots of webby stuff on this for more information.

If the names are so similar that they may cause confusion in the minds of the customers then the first company to start trading can require the other to change their name. Intention is irrelevant so it can arise by accident

So if Solihull Sports Massage is already trading then using .com rather than .co.uk could still result in demands to change and claims for damages. You could also be accused of cybersquatting

Coming up with a company name is very difficult these days as there are so many that have been used but this is an area that can come back to bite anyone who has a name that is too close to an existing one