I followed a guide that said to search for other companies with your name within some US database. I confirmed that no other company in the US had a similar name, so I incorporated. However, I just recently found out that there is a company based outside the US that was popular like 15 years ago (and probably has some level of popularity now). How would you handle this? Should I change the name of my company? Should I get a “doing business as” name? I don’t have any plans for international right now, so maybe this won’t affect me much? Both companies are in social media.

  • vinnymcapplesauce@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Important terminology distinction – you don’t “incorporate” an LLC. LLCs are not corporations.

    Now, the name of a company can be pretty much anything. Company names are not necessarily trademarks, as opposed to with product names that are intended to be marketed and thus need to be protected. Do a search for trademarks and see what you turn up, because it sounds like IP is the area of interest for you. ;)

    Disclaimer: IANAL, so you shouldn’t listen to me.