Other Online Businesses Have the Same Name as My Jewelry Business

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Other Online Businesses Have the Same Name as My Jewelry Business

by Anonymous Jewelry Artist

I have a Native-inspired jewelry business here in West Virginia. I do have a business license for this; registered back in 2007.

There are 2 online businesses with the same name; 1 also does beadwork.

Does this mean that I will have trouble getting a website started?

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Other Online Businesses Have the Same Name as My Jewelry Business

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A Jewelry Business Name that Isn't Unique Online
by: Rena

You may want to check whether either of the other businesses have that name registered as a trademark - which might cause problems with your using the name, especially online.

You can do some easy searching using the Trademark Electronic Search System of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to see whether anyone in the U.S. has already registered that business name as a trademark, or is in the process of having their trademark application considered.

Of course, you can always add a descriptive word or two to your chosen business name to make it unique for a website name.

For example, let's just use "X" for your business name - you might use something like "X Native Beadwork" or "X Native Beading", instead of just "X".

However, another issue to consider is whether your customers are likely to wind up at the wrong website when they're looking for you online.

They will probably remember the "X" part of your business name, but if they do a Google search for it, or just type it in as the Web address, they are likely to wind up at one of the other sites instead - and may even think the other "X" beadwork website is you.

So that's another thing to consider - whether your customers will be able to find you online easily, after you've gone to all the effort of setting up your website.

And one more consideration - if you already have established customers who know you under the business name of "X", you may want to continue with the "X" name so you don't lose them.

Then it's important to do everything you can to make sure they know your website address, so they'll wind up on your website instead of on the other "X" beadwork site.

Make your Name Unique
by: Lisa W.

You might want to add your name to your business, such as X Native Beadwork by Your Name, so that customers will know when thy have gotten to the right place.

Branding will be very important for you, so that your potential customers can distinguish your work and site form the others. You will want a unique logo and color scheme, and have it on everything you can - web site, cards, booth signs if you do sales, packaging, stationary, etc.

You also might want to add a tag line to your name, like X, Native Designs from the Heart, or X Native Beadwork, from the hills of West Virginia.. you get the idea.

You will have to have a unique domain name, so the extra few words can help you find one. You may also use the same wording for your domain, but with .net, or .biz instead of .com.

Had the same issue
by: Tina - CreatedWithFire Studios

We use to be known as SilverAndGems and took the website SilverAndGem.net, there turned out to be a SilverAndGem.com, found out too many customer never remembered the .Net and was buying from the .Com .... loosing sales did not help, we changed to CreatedWithFire !

Always do name searches before setting up your business, saves time and money !

Take care
Tina

business names
by: Wyoming Angels

I too have faced this. I literally contacted the other company and said to cease and dismiss the use of the name. I have been registered in the state for over 10 years. This company is an investment company but freely uses the Wyoming Angels without batting an eye. I contacted the state and clearly have the upper hand. It can become a legal matter if you are passionate about it. I hold both .com and .net for the name they use it with a .angelgroup to fix the issue. I have repeatedly told them that they are still violating my rights. Those who keep promoting them I haunt with reminders. It is frustrating but those who are committed to you will find you. I always stick a business card in on all orders. I also clearly state my policies and what I offer to my customers.

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