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Don’t Fall in Love With Your Brand Name (Here’s Why)

Apr 24, 2026

The recent decision involving Cambridge University and a local rowing business is a clear example of the importance of understanding the legal principles underpinning naming.

When choosing your business name, it’s not just about creati...

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Lessons from Tesla’s Cybercab

Mar 27, 2026

Tesla has just made a mistake we commonly see in business. It went public with a new name before securing the rights to it and is now suffering the consequences.

This is surprising given Tesla’s size and standing. It’s more understanda...

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Your Name Is Your Strongest Asset

Sep 26, 2025

Any business, product or service that evokes positive emotions and trust in us is invariably recognised by its name.

So, the name is the primary way we associate a brand. It’s therefore an important asset to prioritise protecting if yo...

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Think Different About Names

May 9, 2024

Someone asked about the dispute between Apple Corp and Apple Computers which reminds me of an aspect of names to mention.

While names may be shared provided two businesses are in non-overlapping industries, Apple was problematic from th...

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Names, Names, Names

Apr 18, 2024

Names that are distinctive in not describing the product or service are always the best choice from a legal perspective.

So, I wondered how a sandwich outlet like Subway managed to come up with such a distinctive name.

The business wa...

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Don't Miss Out On Securing Your Name.com

Feb 7, 2024

The way to secure the .com of a name you’re choosing, is to have a good process. 

You want to keep a record of names you consider and shortlist. Otherwise, you'll get frustrated with the whole exercise.

Ensure a .com of a name that was...

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Is Your Choice of Name Sound?

Nov 10, 2023

Names involve a variety of traps for the unwary. – be it the type of name that should be used, or the searches needed to establish availability.

Given that everything we do in business involves raising awareness of our name, and that...

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The Role of Brand Names in Business
March 23, 2022

Understanding the legal rules around names is important because they’re the single most valuable intellectual property asset a successful business builds. ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

One person who clearly didn’t understand this was Mr ...

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Genericity – What We Can Learn About How to Name a Brand

Genericity is a problem that no brand wants, however much people may think it must be flattering for Google that people use its brand name as a verb. Saying will ‘google’ something or that are ‘googling’ something is damaging to Google’s trademark.

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Why You Need to Protect a Name and Other Intangible Assets Immediately
February 21, 2020

The 7 Costly Mistakes People Make When Turning their Big Idea into a Business, or when Branding or Rebranding Anything

Since a brand gives your idea or product identity, not registering it as a trademark leaves you wide open

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Tips to Choosing a Name That is Ownable and Enables You to Stand Out
January 31, 2020

The 7 Costly Mistakes People Make When Turning their Big Idea into a Business, or when Branding or Rebranding Anything

Did you know that choosing a name is an important IP decision? The name is one of the most valuable assets

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Don’t Choose Names Without Involving a Trademark Lawyer Who “gets” Branding
February 9, 2020

The 7 Costly Mistakes People Make When Turning their Big Idea into a Business, or when Branding or Rebranding Anything

The name is a key part of your brand identity. It’s possibly the most important decision you will ever mak

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