Can I make a business name that includes another well known business name?
I want to make a business lets say called "Smirnoff Studios" which would be a photography company. I am worried that there might be legal problems with that? Now smirnoff can actually be someones last name so its not like I am using it as a reference to any of their products.
So is this legal?
Will I be able to register it as an LLC?
Thanks!
The general answer is, yes
However, there may be others out there who have the same idea you do
You can check with your state’s secretary of state office to check name availability
As long as your product or service is not the same as one already protected you are OK
You should also check the US Patent & Trademark Office website to see if the name has been protected nationally for multiple business types: www.uspto.gov
As long as you aren’t selling vodka it’s alright.