Legal Question in Business Law in Washington

Dear LawGurus.

Say there's a company named "company name, Inc" , registered in Seattle WA. we would like to register a company named "companyname" in another state (note there's no space between the words, if it matters)

is that possible?

if so, are there any issues we should worry about in the future?

Thanks!


Asked on 12/20/11, 1:38 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nancy Delain Delain Law Office, PLLC

Yes, technically you can register in another state a company with the same name as a corporation owns in one state.

Yes, you'll have to worry, possibly big-time, about losing actions in trademark infringement (under state and federal laws), unfair trade practices (state law), unfair competition (state law) and bad faith dealings (state law). There may be further actions filed for misappropriation (state and federal laws). You'll also have to worry about the original corporation expanding into your state.

You need to speak (not this freebie forum; actually go to an attorney and pay for the time) with an attorney in your state who handles formation and trademark issues in your state if you really want to go this route.

THIS POST CONTAINS GENERAL INFORMATION AND IS INTENDED FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE, NOR DOES IT CREATE ANY ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON YOUR PARTICULAR MATTER, CONSULT YOUR ATTORNEY.

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Answered on 12/20/11, 11:10 am


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