Similar New Business Name As Our Business - What Should I Do?

Likcud on 18/01/2020 - 21:22
Last edited 19/01/2020 - 12:54 by 1 other user

Hey guys, just in need some advice on what steps I should do as I'm an event and decorator for a family business. Our family business has been going for roughly 25 years now.

One of our past clients (Bride) has set up a business which I'm all for. What I haven't realised that their brand name is quite similar to ours.

It just a tad sadden to see they said they were. Just wondering what steps should I do now as some of the clients have got confused with them with us, and who knows how many future clients will too.

Just thought I see what others say before impulsively get mad or act irrationally.

Thanks Guys!

-Update- Thanks prob just leave it be for the next year and poke again :) Cheers

Education & Work

closed Comments

  • MS Paint on 18/01/2020 - 21:29

    Can you challenge the name similarity with business registration office?

    Are you in the same State?

    Names are close but unfortunately I don't think close enough for them to have to change.

  • MrHyde on 18/01/2020 - 21:29
    +7

    To me those two names do not sound similar. Both having a common dream in the name does not make them similar.

    Some questions for you.
    - do you have a registered trademark on your name?
    - do they call themselves the same as you in any published medium - like website etc
    - is their logo similar to yours in terms of style, colour and content.

    Depending on those answers, you may be able to ask a lawyer to write a cease and desist letter to them and that might scare them off. Otherwise off to court to fight it.

  • ikcud on 18/01/2020 - 21:32

    Yeah we in the same state. I'll be researching alot tonight regards the challenge but I thought I poke and see what others say.

  • jackinyourbox on 18/01/2020 - 21:37
    +6

    They sound nothing a like .

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 18/01/2020 - 21:41
    +1

    Same with @MrHyde ; I did not find the names similar sounding.

    Also where is the business located? Are they nearby?

    Getting your friends to call and asking for 'your business' does not mean anything. I mean, I could call your business and ask for "your competitor's business" and you could tell a cheeky lie and say you are (to get business) and then play ignorant if the issue is raised. The issue is did I get confused from the start? and back to the names, if I just rely on names, then no I didn't.

  • ikcud on 18/01/2020 - 21:44

    We're about 10km from each other.

  • elgrande on 18/01/2020 - 21:58
    +4

    If it makes you feel any better, D&D iDREAM Weddings is a terrible business name.

    iDream? Sounds like its straight out of 2008.

    • sss333 on 19/01/2020 - 01:15

      Worse than iSnack 2.0

  • jtle on 18/01/2020 - 22:12
    +4

    Who cares about the business name they have. Itd not that similar.. Can't see how "D&D iDream" sounds like "Dream Wedding Decore".

    What you should focus on, is the fact your friends have called, and this business claims to be you.
    Whilst this may happen day-to-day in some niche markets, your concern is your "competition" is outright claiming to be you..

  • JimmyF on 18/01/2020 - 22:18
    +1

    Dream Wedding Decor is our name while they call themselves D&D iDREAM Weddings.

    I wouldn't confuse the two, also think the iDREAM name is horrid name.

    Don't think there is much you can do here.

    I've asked few of my friends to enquiry to go ask if they were "Dream Wedding Decor" they said they were.

    Well this is a problem indeed.

    Just wondering what steps should I do

    Surely after 25 years in the game, you have a solicitor on your books. Have them send a nice letter to iDREAM advising its come to your attention they are passing themselves off as a competitor ie you and this is uncool. If it happens again bad things will happen. Of course your solicitor will put it all in 'legal speak' etc.

    Give it 3 months or so and try again with your friends asking them.

  • ikcud on 18/01/2020 - 22:22

    Yeah I'm not gonna fuss it too much. We see how it goes after 6 months :). Thanks everyone

    • dcep on 19/01/2020 - 02:43

      I've asked few of my friends to enquiry to go ask if they were "Dream Wedding Decor" they said they were

      any hidden cam ?

  • djones145 on 18/01/2020 - 22:27
    +1

    just send apple a email about their business name

    apple's lawyers will solve it quick

    doesnt apple have a copyright on the letter i lol

    • spackbace on 18/01/2020 - 22:38
      +1

      You now have to pay them ONE MILLION DOLLARS!

    • payless69 on 19/01/2020 - 11:52

      The Beatles formed Apple records. How many years did it take for the fruit firm to sell their music?

  • spackbace on 18/01/2020 - 22:37
    +1

    Not similar

    And iName is just dumb

    • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2020 - 11:57

      Exactly … obviously, not vetted by OzB prior to registration 😉

  • garetz on 18/01/2020 - 23:25

    seek legal advice ?

  • Downvoter on 19/01/2020 - 00:28
    +1

    The names aren’t even similar

  • theguru1 on 19/01/2020 - 08:03
    -1

    Passing themselves as your family business could fall under "false and misleading" conduct/ advertising. Talk to a lawyer as already advised.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2020 - 09:07
    +3

    Dungeons and Dragons themed weddings?

    • try2bhelpful on 19/01/2020 - 11:28

      That was my thought as well. Roll the 20 sided dice to see if the wedding takes place and what damage is inflicted.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2020 - 09:10

    At least now ozbargainers now know the original.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2020 - 11:53

    I thought your business name sounded familiar as I recalled a wedding we went to that used this wedding planner: Dream Décor & thought it was your company however different state.

  • Moderatorscrimshaw on 19/01/2020 - 12:06

    Looks like OP has their answer. Thread closed.

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