Registering a business name

[sankee]

I registered a business name with the ACT Office of Regulatory Services, but my application was rejected because my chosen name was "too similar" to another business name already registered (even though that business is not in the ACT ... go figure!). How do I appeal this decision, and how long will it take? And what are my chances of winning my case?

Thanks heaps!

[NLM07]

Try calling IP Australia and find out what your options are. They handle trademark, patent, design and names.

[DaddyLarge]

No way of telling what your chances are, but if your business name is similar enough to get knocked back, it's probably an idea to choose something else. It may be the case that at some stage down the line, the similarly named business could have a claim against you, especially if they have a registered mark.

It may be the case that it would be better and less costly to pick something else now, rather than being forced to do so later when you've built up some value in your business name - particularly if there it leads to a successful damages claim against you.

Google the "National Names Index" fir a searchable list of registered names and marks.