Business names

[newstarter18]

Hi,

Sorry this has probably been asked before. I want to start up a new dog walking business. The name I wanted to use was 'Scruffles dog walking and pet services' (as the nickname for my dog is Scruffles - he's a scruffy mutt). However, upon googling I found 'Scruffles Pet supplies' company. They are a limited company but not trademarked the name (from what I can see).

Would this cause problems down the line as my name is similar to theirs? I'm trying to think of other names but it's very hard to be original as most of the names you'd associate with dog walking are already taken, so I seem to be hitting a bit of a wall. I did think about 'Scruffles and friends' instead but still, this is similar.

Any advice? I've read lots of guides on naming and rules but this is my first time starting a business so I'm finding it a bit overwhelming trying to think of a name when everything I can think of is already a limited company. I've seen lots of dog walkers with similar business names and don't know what problems (if any) they come across.

I will only be setting myself up as a sole trader so not registering.

 

[newstarter18]

My keywords were going to be the 'dog walking and pet services' part of the name so that people knew exactly what i did. If that's what you meant?

I wanted to try and come up with some more unique then just '[MY NAME] dog walking and pets services' or '[TOWN NAME] ...' so thought naming it after the dogs nickname sounded a bit quirky and fun.

Unfortunately when looking at other names you might associate with dog walkers (walkies, leads, walk, Pet care, waggy tails) a lot of the combinations are already taken so i'm finding it difficult.

 

[Gecko001]

I will only be setting myself up as a sole trader so not registering.

It does not matter whether you are Ltd or a sole trader or your name is trademarked or not you can still have legal challenges to your business name under passing off law if your name is similar to another business's name and that business is in the same sector as your business and/or you operate in the same locality as that other business operates in. If this other firm operates nationwide or in your locality, you could have problems at some time in the future.

The fact that you named your business after your dog's name is irrelevant as you are probably aware.

 

[newstarter18]

It does not matter whether you are Ltd or a sole trader or your name is trademarked or not you can still have legal challenges to your business name under passing off law if your name is similar to another business's name and that business is in the same sector as your business and/or you operate in the same locality as that other business operates in. If this other firm operates nationwide or in your locality, you could have problems at some time in the future.

The fact that you named your business after your dog's name is irrelevant as you are probably aware.

Thanks.

Yeah, I know it doesn't matter that it's named after the dog! Lots of dogs have the same names

It seems like my name is out then, the company that has the same name do deliver nationwide (they are a pet-food company). I would only be working locally so I wouldn't be competing in the literal sense (as in my business won't be selling pet food, it'll be providing walking and pet care in a local area) but it seems like, because they deliver throughout the country (and they are in the 'pet' industry) there could be a conflict down the line.


Another question if you don't mind me asking. I've drafted some other options for names up, one name is registered (it's the same name minus an 'S'), however they are an I.T company operating down south. Obviously this has absolutely nothing to do with my company and not in the same sort of industry, could this cause the same problems? I would have thought this would cause less problems as there is an obvious difference between I.T supplies and a local dog walking company.

 

[Russell Munro]

Hi there.

In response to your query above, I don’t foresee there being any problems arising from the company who offer IT supplies. As you’ve said, the fact that they have a completely distinct commercial offering suggests they won’t take issue with your use of the mark in relation to dog walking.

Thanks,

Russ

 

[fisicx]

@newstarter18 Consider that you made decide to expand your services to cat sitting or team up with a groomer or employ someone to do dog walking in the nearby town. If you call yourself 'Scruffles dog walking and pet services in Doncaster' you have limited your future options. But if you just called yourself 'Scruffles' than you can do what ever your want. Your tagline will describe what you do.