View Full Version : Naming the mat
peschpeople8
03-07-2008, 05:25 PM
After reading the discussion here, I see that it is recommended that a new owner re-name the mat after buying the assets and creating a new LLP. Is there any "copyright" or ownership rights for names? When I choose a name I like, how do I know I am not infringing on someone....? Thanks.
BMWHD3060
03-07-2008, 05:30 PM
Your LLC is unique to you only, a DBA can anyone can use the same DBA as you.
peschpeople8
03-07-2008, 05:33 PM
So, the name of my mat could be the same as yours or the same as something else famous, like a TV show (Spin City)?
BMWHD3060
03-07-2008, 05:42 PM
As long as it is your DBA? YES
peschpeople8
03-07-2008, 05:47 PM
And DBA stands for...? Many thanks for your help!
geaston
03-07-2008, 06:27 PM
Doing Business As....
vernonmaytag
03-07-2008, 08:27 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Doing Business As....
[/ QUOTE ]
Ourselves, we kept the old name, and have a seperate corporation name. The bank we use is stupid, not let us have the DBA on the account, so all checks to us have to be addressed to the corporation name.
I am using an S Corp instead of an LLC. I have decided on the corporate name but can't decide on the DBA, maybe something related to the shopping center that the store is in? - I have until Monday to decide.
BMWHD3060
03-07-2008, 10:15 PM
[ QUOTE ]
I am using an S Corp instead of an LLC. I have decided on the corporate name but can't decide on the DBA, maybe something related to the shopping center that the store is in? - I have until Monday to decide.
[/ QUOTE ]
I normally use my first three initials before my corp name & use the town my business is in as my DBA in front of the type of business I own, example ABC Coin Laundry LLC DBA would be Timbucktwo Main Street Laundry.
DaveLevenson
03-07-2008, 11:00 PM
There's probably no need to change the DBA name. If it's an established business with a loyal following, there are good reasons to keep it.
I set up an LLC using a made-up word, but I do business as the same name as the last owners. I didn't have to change the signage, the advertising, the telephone listing, or anything else. A local ordinance prohibits neon signs. My store came with a grandfathered neon sign. If I'd changed the name, I'd have had to go for a new sign permit, and the neon would have been dis-allowed. As it is, it's a funky old neon sign from the 1950's, with big pink cursive letters... a local landmark and one of a very few in the neighborhood.
If you do decide to keep the DBA name, you might want to display an "Under New Management" sign for a while.
If you try to DBA a famous name, you might run into a violation of trade mark law. Big names are usually trade marked to protect the value of the owner's advertising. If you used my DBA name in the same market area, I'd consider a lawsuit to block it. If you're far enough away that we don't compete, I'd have no objection at all.