Registering your company name is one of the most important things you can do for your business. And it’s not just because it protects what you’ve built up to this point. It also helps protect future growth, too.
If someone else has taken your company name first, you’ll be forced to change yours and might even have some trouble getting a domain with that name on it. Plus, if someone starts using your registered company name without permission—which would only happen if they found out about its existence in the first place, thanks to registering it—you know exactly who to take legal action against and where they are located so that all communication is within local laws.
So what are some other reasons why registering a trademarked company name is a good idea?
1. It Prevents Confusion in the Marketplace
If your business becomes popular or you start to sell in an area where other businesses are present, you don’t want its customers getting confused when they go to purchase from you. When two businesses have similar company names, it can be very confusing for customers. They may not know which one is the original or the more established one. This can hinder a business’s growth and reputation. This is especially concerning when it comes to identifying sales tax agencies because it’ll make your records more difficult to keep up with if a spelling error were to occur at any point in the documentation. Your customers and clients should know where to go for the correct product or service, not be confused because your business name was taken by another company first. This is why it is always important to check if your name exists already. You can google “check company name UK” and from there find a website that helps you check existing, registered company names. In the case that you find your original name was taken, there are ways around it, such as stylized letters. Have a “V” in place of a “U” or an “A” to add uniqueness.
2. It Shows You’ve Taken Steps to Protect Your Business
When you register your trademarked company name, it shows consumers and other businesses that you are serious about protecting your company’s name. It shows that you’ve invested money in it and taken legal recourse to ensure others cannot use it, even if they think the name is free for anyone to use.
3. You Can Establish Your Brand Name Early On
If you want to establish your brand name in the marketplace before someone else does, registering your company name is a great way to do that. It’ll set you apart from the competition and make it easier for customers to find your business. Having a trademarked company name can also help you build a stronger brand. When consumers see that your company’s name is protected by law, it makes them more likely to trust your products and services. It also helps you stand out from the competition.
4. You Can Avoid Disputes Down the Road
If someone else has already registered your company name or is using it without permission, you’re going to have some disputes to deal with. It’s better to avoid these disputes altogether by registering your trademarked company name as soon as possible. This ensures that you have exclusive rights to the use of your company’s name. When you register your company name, it’s an official legal registration that ensures you have the exclusive right to use it. It stops other people from trying to pretend they’re associated with your business when they’re not and stops them from using the name in any way.
5. You Can File a Trademark Application in Multiple Countries
When you file a trademark application, it doesn’t just have to be for the United States. You can file for trademarks in other countries, too, which gives you even more protection against someone else using your company name without permission. When you register your trademarked company name, you’re allowed to use the ® symbol after it. This shows other businesses and consumers that your company name is registered and protected by law.
Make sure to consult with an experienced trademark attorney so you can make the best decision for protecting your business and its future growth.
6. You Can Use the Name in Advertising and on Social Media
When you register your trademarked company name, it’s registered to you as an individual or business. This means that the name is all yours and you can use it on any of your promotional materials without fear of repercussion from someone else using the name. It gives you permission to use it in advertising, on social media platforms, business cards—basically, when you register your trademarked company name, it’s not just for use in business documentation or correspondence. You’re allowed to use it in advertising and on social media, anywhere you want. This helps you build brand awareness and further cement your company’s reputation.
7. You Can Sue If Someone Uses Your Company Name Without Permission
If someone is using your company name without your permission, you can take legal action against them. This is known as a trademark infringement lawsuit and can be quite costly for the person using your company name without permission. When you register your trademarked company name, it gives you the exclusive right to use it in the United States and in any other country where you’ve filed for a trademark. This means that if someone else uses your company name without your permission, you can take legal action against them and win.
8. You Can Use the Name for a Domain Name
When you register your trademarked company name, you can also reserve the right to use it as a domain name. This is a great way to protect your website and make sure that no one else can use it without your permission. It’s also a good way to make sure that customers always know they’re dealing with your company and not someone else.
If you’re just starting out as a business, the importance of registering your company name may not be apparent. But if someone else uses it without permission or registers it first, this can cause all kinds of problems for your fledgling business. Registering your trademarked company name early on will help establish its legitimacy and give you exclusive rights to use it in any way that’s necessary to grow the brand awareness—whether that involves advertising or social media platforms like Facebook.
