How to secure my brand(name)?

[Ikke]

I had the idea to import sunglasses. So I registered the website URL, had a kickass logo designed, made a facebook page and send out the forms to register the trade/business name with the chamber of commerce.

Today I found out there is a competitor using the same name as me and they have already registered the trade/business name with the chamber of commerce. They also have a facebook page with close to 200 likes and have their own branded products in stock and they will launch their ecommerce store in the coming days.

I still would like to pursue this venture but I haven't tested the products yet. I'm still negotiating with several Chinese suppliers.

I think I might be able to secure the trademark in 3 countries and perhaps make them quit using the same brand name. I can also go for an European registered trademark, but that is about 4 times more costly.

But now I'm wondering if it is all worth it and that perhaps I should just move on.

Does anyone have any experience with a similar situation?

 

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[PaulRobert]

I am not too sure about Europe and it's patent/trademark laws but here in the US, it's all about who used the name first and what it represents. Talk with an attorney and see if it makes any sense and before you dig yourself into a hole.


**Legal Disclaimer** I am not a patent attorney. What is written above should not be taken as legal advice.**

 

[Vigilante]

Since you are prelaunch… It might be easier to just rebrand into something unique and exclusive.

 

[secretentourage]

If someone beat you to the name and idea, simple tweaks should allow you to do what they do so much better since you know they exist but they dont know you do.

 

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[Ikke]

Since I cooled down from the realization that I lost the current brand name yesterday. I have decided to go for a new more unique name which isn't as closely linked to the product itself. The hard part now is making up a new name.

It probably just isn't worth my time effort and money to fight over a name which has no real value yet.

 

[TedM]

It probably just isn't worth my time effort and money to fight over a name which has no real value yet.

completely agree. focus on building your own value.

 

[Vick]

Can't you just pick a different name?

 

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[QuickLanceFirms]

Since you're choosing a different name, how about Ikke?

It's easy to remember.