Help! Someone is copying my name!

[Logic]

I run an online company.

Someone has purchased the exact same domain as me in a .net extension (i own .com, .co.uk and all other common extensions).

They are now copying my branding! They are advertising themselves using the same name, similar colours and even the same abbreviation as my company. The owner of the company has copied my name after joining my twitter page!

My question is how can I protect my company name and branding?

Can I register a trademark if my company is under general words which I have put together? For example Cat Toys Online? or CTO?

Could I use copyright in any way?

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Business News]

Too many questions on too broad a topic. Go to the government IPO web site and you'll find pretty much everything you could care to look for related to trade mark protection.

 

[Logic]

^ I've already been to the IPO website. I'm looking for some educated opinions/knowledge. Thanks anyway.

 

[kulture]

I would take copies (printed) of their web pages and yours.

I would go see a solicitor and get them to write a letter to the competitor as they are attempting to pass off as your company. You do not need to get a trademark for protection in this case (and it is too late anyway).

I would also be tempted to look up their host and ask them to take down the site as it is passing off your site.

 

[Clarkmans]

It is probably a good idea to consult a solicitor about this to get it stopped immediately. You do not need to register your name as a trade mark to stop them copying you however it would be a good idea to get this done as well.

I'm happy to discuss this further if you want to contact me.

Clare

 

[Pragmatic_man]

1. Domain name extension has nothing to do be afraid of. You can shut down their website if you can prove that you are the first to start the business and you have been operating under the specific brand name for good time. Any lawyer specializing in Corporate Identify fraud can help you out. I dont see this as a problem.

2. Going one step further, send a legal notice in writing to this fraud company as well as their hositing company ( By this time you should have contacted a good lawyer).

3. It would cost you money. Be prepred for it.

4. There has been several cases in UK where even Fish and Chips shops and Chicken fry takeaways have been threatened by big boys and vice-versa. Usually such settlements happen in the court if a big player is involved. For Small and medium business, it usually happens through negotiations.

5. Make a press release and warn your existing clients. Run a facebook and other social media campaign against them. If they loose their brand value, they would probably shut down the business over night.

Good luck !

 

[Eagle]

Tell their web host too!

 

[E Storey]

Report them to Google.

 

[Logic]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Much appreciated!