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Community Calendar

VFW donation dinner -- 5-7 p.m., VFW Post 10054 on Homestead Road, $6. Open to the public.

Prayer meeting -- 5:30 p.m., Victory Christian Center, Highway 160 and Winery Road.

Christian Home Educators (P.V.C.H.E.) -- meeting to bowl, skate and go on field trips and Park Days. Call Monica at 727-9926 for meeting place and time.

Pahrump Amateur Radio Repeater Assn. -- 6 p.m. potluck and meeting, Pahrump Comstock park office, off 372, west of Blagg.

Southern Nye County Friends of Animals -- 7 p.m., cooperative extension office in Pahrump.

Pahrump Nevada Genealogical Society -- 6:30 p.m., multi-purpose room, LDS church, Wilson and West Streets.

Saturday

Men's Bible study -- 7 a.m., Pahrump Community Church, Fellowship Hall. more

Business As Usual for Aloha Airlines

HONOLULU (KHNL) -- The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has given Aloha Airlines the legal protection it needs to honor all existing reservations, book new flights and keep its employees. But the order is only valid through the end of this month.

Aloha Airlines will then go back to court for final hearings on fees. The future of the company after that remains up in the air. Aloha's CEO David Banmiller came out of U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Friday with the approval needed to continue operating as usual.

"It's frustrating but I'm an optimistic person because everyday when you wake up you have two choices. Be happy or sad. I choose happy," said Banmiller.

The court order allows Aloha to arrange cash collateral financing with its lenders so it can continue to pay for operating costs, at least until the end of the month. more

Chemical company eyes Watertown

WATERTOWN -- A Norwalk-based chemical manufacturer looking to expand is reviewing potential sites in town for a manufacturing facility that could cost a $50 million to $100 million and create 40 to 50 jobs.According to Steven McGonagle, director of operations for King Industries, the company has a list of properties compiled by Watertown Economic Development Coordinator Joe Seacrist that might be feasible for the new operation. However, he said discussions were very preliminary.Although the company was given a list that included seven or eight sites in town, there has been no further exploration of those properties, he said. . more

Morning business news - Mar 31

OIL PRICES BOOST KENTZ BUSINESS - The Clonmel-headquartered engineering group Kentz Corporation has published its first results this morning as a quoted company. Kentz - which has its fingers in pies around the world in oil, gas, petrochemicals and mining - saw its pre-tax profits increase 37% to $34.3m in 2007, while revenues were up 47% to $545m.

Kentz chief executive Hugh O'Donnell said 80% of the company's business was generated in the Middle East, as the big international energy companies were continuing to develop projects.

Mr O'Donnell said the rise in oil prices had lifted the amount of business in the Middle East, as the costs of producing the oil were lower there.

. more

Latest Business Names Trademarks News

General Mills draws ire of Utah bakery’s fans in Doughboy v Dough Girl trademark dispute - Birmingham Business Journal

General Mills Inc. , which counts the Pillsbury Doughboy among is brands, is getting some flack online for putting the kibosh on a Utah bakery using “dough girl” in its name. Tami Cromar, the owner of Salt ...

Fond Du Lac, Wis. / Priest taking Lord's name in vain? - Pioneer Press

A priest in Fond du Lac has God on his car but Best Buy's lawyers on his back. The Rev. Luke Strand at Holy Family Parish has received a cease-and-desist letter from the Richfield-based electronics retailer ...

Important Ruling against AOL in Favor of Advertise.com in Attempting to Trademark Generic... - Forbes

BusinessWire - The United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has decided in favor of Advertise.com--a premier platform for search and display advertising--upholding Advertise.com's defense of its ...

Hartsfield-Jackson names people-mover The Plane Train - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport said is naming its terminal automated people mover The Plane Train, the winning name in an online contest. The decision comes after Hartsfield-Jackson held a contest on YouTube ...

Sharp(R) Electronics Names John Herrington President, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America - msnbc.com

Sharp Electronics Corporation today announced that John Herrington has been named President of Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America (SEMCA). In this position, Mr. Herrington is responsible for all the U.S ...

Defending Its Doughboy Trademark, Pillsbury Pounces on Tiny Bakery - ABC News

David may have made short work of Goliath, but taking on a huge corporation was never an option for small business owner Tami Cromar. A few weeks ago, the founder of a small, Salt Lake City-based bakery, My ...

Tulsa Business Owner Feels Bullied By Oklahoma Turnpike Authority - News On 6

TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa business owner says he feels bullied for trying to trademark a business tool he has been using for a decade. He claims that "bully" is the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. The owner of Fine Airport ...

Thomson Reuters Achieves Oracle Validated Integration Between the Oracle(R) E-Business Suite 12.1 ... - Yahoo Finance

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - 08/10/10) - The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters today announced that it has achieved Oracle Validated Integration of its Sabrix Application Suite with Oracle E-Business Suite 12.1 ...

Western Governors University Realizes 80% Savings With Active Endpoints Business Process Management ... - msnbc.com

Active Endpoints, Inc., the leader in affordable, service oriented BPM that development teams love, today announced that Western Governors University has achieved an 80% cost savings by streamlining its student change ...

Open Question: website to check if name is trademarked/copyrighted?

I have a name id like to use as the name for a business and i was wondering if there's a website to check this? more

Resolved Question: Making sure no one steals my business name?

Currently im in the process of creating my online business and was wondering how I could make sure my business name can't be used by anyone else. I'm aware of making it into a LLC or INC but would that stop people from trying to steal the name or do you have to also get a trademark on it? Thanks.Already registered the domain name and also searched for a copyright or trademark and nothing so that's clear. more

Voting Question: If a name is a registered trademark is it registered worldwide?

Say if a name was a registered trademark in the USA and a UK business used the name would it be infringement? more

Resolved Question: Having a very hard time coming up with a business name?

I want to create a small business revolved around computers & technology. I want to be my own computer manufacturer. I've spent 4 hours trying to think of something catchy, came up with one name, but found out it was trademarked... more

Voting Question: Is cyber squatting illegal? Someone owns a domain name after my trademark!?

I have a trademark for a business name, and someone owns the .COM to it! WTF!!! I don't have the $10,000 they are asking for. Should I get a lawyer? more

Resolved Question: I'm opening an online business?

I am opening an online business and I'm trying to figure out what legal things I need to handle. Do I need permits or business licenses? Do I need to trademark my company name? What forms do I need to complete? I'm pretty confused because all the research that I've done, I've only seen forms for physical stores, not online businesses. I live in North Carolina and I'm not sure what laws they have in regards to online businesses. I need some kind of insight!! more

Resolved Question: can i start a company with a name already trademarked by another?

Say my company name is XYZ inc. Another company is called XYZ Diagnostics but they have trademarked the name. We both are in completely separate businesses (the latter being in medical devices and me being in IT/Financial Services). Will I have issues from the trademarked company? more

Resolved Question: 2 can business have the same name if they are in different areas. How far away is a different area?

If 2 business can have the same name if they are in different areas according to what I could find, I just want to know how far away is considered a different area. Also, they are different products. The name is not trademarked by either business. more

Resolved Question: Can you trademark a name for a business you haven't started yet?

So I am a Senior in college and have a name for bakery I one day hope to open. I don't know when it will happen and I don't want to lose the name I have. I have Googled the name that like and there were no results. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! Beth more

Resolved Question: Should I trademark my business name?

I am opening my business and I am a bit bias, but I think it's a great name. Should I go through the process of trademarking it so no one can steal it? Or is it a waste of time and money? more

Resolved Question: If I include other company names on my website should I use 'TM' or include a disclaimer?

I am building a website to promote my business (I am a programmer). I would like to quote software I program eg 'Mircosoft' or 'Oracle' ect. Should I include the TM sign in the page or should i include a disclaimner stating that these names are registered trademarks of other organisations? For example:- Services Provided include - Programming for Microsoft Windows (TM). Disclaimer - Microsoft WIndows (TM) is a registered trademark of the microsoft organisation blah blah blah. more

Voting Question: USPTO trademark violated by state business...what can I do?

I am the owner of a federally registered trademark which was registered by the USPTO in 2008. In 2009 a business serving the same industry was registered in Nevada which uses my trademark (confusingly similar name). Will the state of Nevada cancel the business registration if I contact them? What are my rights? What do I do?I have common law rights in the mark going back to 2002 and I believe the entity in Nevada only has rights going back as far as 2009.A federally registered mark should cover the entire U.S., including Nevada, should it not? So how can someone just starting up in Nevada trump my rights in the mark? more

Resolved Question: Is it legal to change my name to Hellsing?

Not "Helsing" but "Hellsing". I'm aware of the trademark on the Hellsing anime / manga series, and I run a small business. If I changed my family name to Hellsing, would it be legal to print my work and have my name on the cover, or would this be infringement? more

Resolved Question: Can I use this business name?

Lets say I want to call my online clothes store 'Rewind' (fictional name). I'm in the UK and hope to open a boutique by this name when I've had the online store for a year. There's already a boutique in America by this name, no trademark registered in UK, and as far as I can see, no online store. Can I legally use the name? Your time to advise me will be truly appreciated :) more

Resolved Question: What happens to a company's trademarks after it goes out of business completely?

I'm thinking about getting a domain name that contains a company's trademark but they have been out of business for several years. Let's say XYZ Company made bicycles but they went out of business 10 years ago. There is a company they has purchased all of XYZ's inventory in order to sell off the remaining parts to the public for repairs, but they makes it clear that are not affiliated with XYZ in any way and thus are not liable for any warranties, etc. Now, would I be safe in using buyusedXYZ.com as a domain name without any problems? Even if say, XYZ.com was available and I used it to point people to other XYZ resources, would I be in violation of using the trademark at all and be surprised with a cease and desist order down the line? more

Resolved Question: Should I trademark my domain name?

My startup company is in the business of online education. Would it make sense to trademark the domain name in order to protect myself? I'm already in the process of trademarking the name of my company and the company logo. So I don't know whether also trademarking the domain name might be redundant or unnecesary. Thanks in advance for your help. more

Resolved Question: Do I need a copyright for my business?

I am planning on filing for two trademarks with the USPTO for my company name and logo. It's an online education website. Would I also need a copyright for anything, or perhaps the lectures that are going to be uploaded? I notice that a lot of websites have the copyright insignia at the bottom. Does having a trademark give me the right to use that or do I need to file for a copyright as well? more

Resolved Question: Using a public domain, previously trademarked word in a company name?

There's a certain fictional character whose name I want to use as part of a legal company name ([name] Enterprises, or whatever). The character appeared in a story dated 1927, so the copyright will be expiring soon. Once it does, can I legally use this name as a part of a business name? more

Resolved Question: Would it be illegal to call my lingerie business "Kitty Purry"?

I'm thinking of like Perez Hilton/Paris Hilton, but i don't want Katy Perry to sue me because my business's name sounds like her name or something. I don't think Kitty Purry is trademarked or anything. Could she sue me anyways? I know it's the name of her cat, but I think it'd be a really cute lingerie store name. Would people make too much of a connection between Katy Perry and my store, or would it be like a Perez/Paris thing? more

Resolved Question: do you copyright, trademark or patent for a cupcakes business? What is the procedure?

I have a small cupcake business run from my home and was wondering if I trademark or copyright the name of the business, the recipies or what? What do I do? more

Resolved Question: Protect a business name before it is registered in the UK?

Hi, I would like to set up my own business, and don't have enough money to register a trademark (as that is like £200 per trademark). I also want to run my business as a sole trader, not as a limited company. In the mean time, can someone else register my advertised business name as a limited company, and therefore stop me from trading using that name? If that is the case, should I register the name as a limited company and just leave it dormant? As companies house only allow one instance of each business name to be created, so that would surely add some level of protection until I can afford to create a legal trademark for my corporation? I am completely knew to this, therefore any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!! more

Resolved Question: I have a question about copyright and trademark infringement in relation to selling goods?

I have some old stuff that I was going to sell on ebay to raise some cash. as i was doing some research i saw that a lot of people are making a lot of money buying and selling and stuff. I was thinking about making custom tshirts and selling them. I just really don't have any idea about the legalities of certain things. For instance, a shirt that says something about the yankees (i'm a sox fan). Can the shirt say yankees without being illegal for any reason. I'm sure the actual logos can't be used, but what about creating a variation to the logo? I'm also curious about band names and logos, or about using specific pictures. I'm familiar with the music business and the copyright laws, but don't know about the merchandise side of things. I just don't want to have a good idea and act upon it only to soon find out that what i made was illegal, and lose my investment. more

Resolved Question: Copyright or Trademark Question?

I have found a name for my design, photography and greeting card business. I have also bought the domain name. How do I copyright the name? What is the procedure in Canada? more

Resolved Question: How do I register a small Internet-based business for the state of Arizona?

Hello, I am unsure of what the proper procedures would be to legally register a clothing line/company. As of now (since I'm just starting out) I can only afford to start a webstore, but some day I would like to own physical storefronts. I have been looking at an LLC and this link was very helpful for that (http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Started-Forming-Your-Own-LLC-Business&id=802370), but I am unsure that this is the correct procedure for me. I am very serious about wanting to be able to sell clothing, cosmetics and even little knick-knacks (much like Urban Outfitters or even Forever21). I am completely new to this, but I have a mission, a vision statement and a 5-year plan for this business. I even have some items already created, dozens of ideas and sketches of future products, as well as a name, trademark symbol and target audience. I just don't know how to start legally. I would appreciate any advice, I know there's got to be some business gurus on here that can tell me what the steps are to get the ball rolling! Thanks! XoXo- Kell more

Voting Question: How would I need to proceed with a company registration in the US?

Right, without giving too much away (For obvious reasons) we are a small publishing company, specialising in publishing underground magazines, we are spead out accross multiple countries at the moment in time, but will be merging to California in the next two or three years, depending on the level of interest we receive. At this moment in time, indie publications can contact us and we will connect them with printers, designers and marketing services that would fit their needs, as well as offering them a forum to discuss these matters with likeminded people. We do not market ourselves towards large publications and companies, but towards smaller magazines (For example, for anyone familiar with the 'Zine-scene that rears it's ugly head every few years), catalogues and newspapers that would normally cost a lot more. (We make a saving by keeping a close relationship with our printers and designers, and doing a lot of the work in-house) The Quandry I am having, is - For entire time the company has been around, we have been unregistered, doing this from bedrooms and home-offices by eMail and Skype, and we are at the point, that our earnings are going to get the attention of the IRS and HMRC sooner or later, so we are playing it safe and registering our name/trademarks etc in the US. The problem is, we have no idea how that affects me, as an accountant/web-master, based in the UK. The team is primarily made up of two reps based in the US, who serve as a liason for the company with these magazines, handle pre and post-sales, and basically anything 'customer-facing'. One of them is based in Texas, and one in Canada. The one based in Texas (Let's call him, Tex) has is the person who will have to register the business (Unless there is a way we can set it up as a partnership, without me being in the country) and other than that, will stick to his usual job. And the one based in Canada (Let's call her, Ada) hasn't the means to handle this side of the business, and is better suited to sales-work and customer relations. Now, I (Josh), handle anything that isn't currently customer facing, for example accounts, web-management, etc. but I am based in the UK, and currently lack any ties to America by way of citizenship. Though, ideally, as the fella' that handles the money (Accounts) it would be ideal for me to be the company's registree, and be able to submit the relevant tax forms and year-end. My problems are - A. I have no idea how the US tax system works in relation to business registration, tax forms, year-end etc. B. I have no idea how I would handle my lack of citizenship and lack of geographical proximity. C. How would I handle payroll, as we have international employees? (US, UK, CA, DE) D. Can we have a three-way partnership with three partners from different countries? Can somebody please advise on this, if required, you can email me @ joshfinch@acid-theatre.co.uk and we can talk more, I am just worried about giving too much information away.After speaking briefly to an accountant, I was recommended that I set up a Private Company, Limited by Shares, and have a small ammount of share-capital from each partner and split it three-ways. (Managing Director, Sales Director, etc) As far as I know we all have perfect credit (With the exception of a £1500 loan on my part, for which payment is insured) and at this moment in time have no assets or requirements, we simply need to be registered for tax reasons (No loans etc) more

Resolved Question: How do I find out if a trademark/copyright has expired?

It is a name, but it was made up and used for a movie title. Can I use this "name" in a business I want to start up?Please don't tell me how I can make money with some website!!!!!!!!! more

Voting Question: Can i use part of a movie title for a new business I am starting?

I am starting a business and want to use part of a movie title from the mid-90's. It's not the entire movie title, but it is a name. I don't think there is still a trademark for the title, but how do I find out for sure that I can use the name and won't have to change it later on? The name would mainly serve as a marketing tool for the services I would provide. Thanks in advance!! more

Resolved Question: Can I copywrite/trademark a future brand name?

I am studying to be a fashion designer and have chosen a name to design under and to call my business. I am not going to be using the name for about three years. Is there any way for me to claim and protect (i.e. copyright or trademark) the brand name now? more

Resolved Question: Is My Domain Name Too Close To An Existing One?

Apologies if this is a bit long! Please note that I have not used actual names in order to keep it as generic as possible if others seek this advice (I do know some people that have asked this before). I am in a band and we are looking to get our own website. There is a company in the USA that has the same name as us (we had no knowledge of this prior to the research), but ours has a space between the two words that is used to make the name. If the company had example.com, could we use example.co.uk, or even iexample.com, both of which are available, even if we are not using a very similar domain name for financial or personal gain, or as a bad faith web site? Just to note too, we found we are not infringing the companies trademark as we are in different countries and not trading within the same business under the name, meaning it is perfectly legal to use the name. Could we use our band name and .co.uk or should we make it a bit more different, perhaps by adding another word for example? Again sorry it was quite long. . I appreciate any advice! more

Resolved Question: Should I use my domain name if it's a trademark?

I registered a ".com" domain name 5 years ago but never used it for anything. It's short (two words) and easy to remember. Now I want to make a blog and was going to use this name. The blog will have ads so it's a business project. I just did a web search on the name and found out it's also the name of a product made by a California company, and they have a registered trademark on it. What should I do? Write and ask their permission to use it as a blog name, or try to sell them the domain name and use another one for the blog? I don't know if they could sue me and take the name away if I use it for a business. more

Resolved Question: What are the necessary steps to starting an online clothing company operating out of new jersey?

And how do you register and tell if the name of the business is already used? And how can do you obtain a trademark on a logo? more

Resolved Question: What's beyond trademark?

I have a name I wish to use for business. Now how do I make sure no one can use that name in any other service or making sure that name is not available for use at all. Whether it's a website or name of a mag or anything. I just want to own it. What can I do beyond trademark? more

Resolved Question: Can I be sued over a business name if I own the trademark?

I have both the trademark and domain name to a business I am currently starting, only problem is that I recently found a company with a similar name and service that had started before me. The only difference is that they apply the word "studio" after the word in question. Just as an example, let's say I wanted to start the company "Blue Line Media" and their company is "Blue Line Studios." I own the trademark to Blue Line, Blue Line Media, and the domain for both Blue Line, and Blue Line Media. Their company is a movie studio, however I am interested in the business of investing in film and television, so if that becomes the primary focus of the business could they sue me? I have heard before that because their name has already been used in commerce then they have the direct rights, but if that is so, then what good does getting a name trademarked even do? more

Resolved Question: Should I reserve the .net if the .com is taken?

I would like to register a domain name that has .com already taken, but the .net is available. Would it be a bad idea to register the .net? Can the owner of the .com business sue me for some sort of infringement? Please note, the keywords used are generic, and I did a trademark search and they did not show up. For example, the site I want has a generic name such as: computerfixer.net But computerfixer.com is already taken. more

Resolved Question: Someone has applied for my trademark name?

Hi, I have a small hobby/business where i sell my own t shirt designs. I have come across a fraudulent individual who trys to bully small clothing businesses like myself so he can claim "damages" to cut a very long story short he has now applied for my business trademark name, i hadn't already got the name trademarked because i didnt deem it necessary because the business is so low key. I have been told that if he gets my name trademarked it will be illegal for me to sell any more t shirts? My main question is what will happen if i dont oppose his trademark application? And also what sort of costs would i be looking at if i did oppose it? I'm in a dilemma because i cant really afford any costs at all at the moment my business is barely making an money, so it wouldnt be worth me paying loads to fight their application and file one of my own (they would also oppose my application) But i'm really worried that if i dont oppose then he will be able to sue me or claim for "damages"!! I would really appreciate advice on this and an explanation of the possible outcomes. many thanks more

Resolved Question: How do I trademark a name for a business?

I am looking to trademark a name so I can start my own business. I have a logo too that I want to copyright/trademark. I was wondering on how I do this and even if it costs any money. Plus, the name I want to trademark and the logo has NOT been taken. Thank you. more

Resolved Question: I named my website something and I would like to know if this is legal.?

I have a name for my website...ex: steelworkout is this legal for me to do or I have to register a business or trademark? I dont want to spend lots of cash im not selling anything and not planning to Its just a website. more

Resolved Question: Do I need a business license or federal tax ID number for my website and LLC?

I run an entertainment website that doesn't actually sell anything, the only revenue that is received is from ads placed on the site. I created an LLC in my home state of Virginia in order to back my website and copyright my website's name. However, that is all I've done so far. I'm trying to attend a trade show and they are asking for my website's business license or government issued documentation showing the business's federal tax identification number. To my knowledge, I have neither of those, unless they were created by the state when I formed my LLC. Does a business license or tax id number get created when you create an LLC? Or do I have to submit more forms in order to get these, if so, which of the two should I file for? Also, I created my LLC in Virginia and copyrighted my website's name through the United States Patent and Trademark Office with my LLC as the owner. However, that is the only link between my website and LLC. So if a trade show asked me to list my website's information, would it be okay to list my LLC's info since that's the actual business and my website is just a part of my business? more

Resolved Question: Spamming Vs. Networking Thin line or obvious difference?

Some seem to mistake the two, Ive done some research and wanted your opinion. Def Reference: Dictionary.com net•work•ing /'n?t?w?rk??/ –noun 1.a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest: Working mothers in the community use networking to help themselves manage successfully. Def Reference: Entrepreneur.com Networking Definition: Developing and using contacts made in business for purposes beyond the reason for the initial contact. For example, a sales representative may ask a customer for names of others who may be interested in his product. Def Reference: Dictionary.com Spam /spæm/ noun, verb,spammed, spam•ming. 1.Trademark. a canned food product consisting esp. of pork formed into a solid block. –noun 2.(lowercase) a disruptive, esp. commercial message posted on a computer network or sent as e-mail. Def Reference: Answer.com Spam n. Unsolicited e-mail, often of a commercial nature, sent indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or newsgroups; junk e-mail. tr.v., spammed, spam•ming, spams. 1.To send unsolicited e-mail to. 2.To send (a message) indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or newsgroups. more

Resolved Question: can i make business cards with a name that is not trademarked?

just wondering more

Resolved Question: Opening a business? Taxes? Trademark?

I want to open up a small business, and I have a few questions. I want this to just be a local business, nothing big. I'm planning to register a domain name to make a website for it. I want to know about registering the business, etc. Lets say I do go ahead and decide to start it, what do I need to do? Also, am I going to be taxed? What if no one uses my services or buys my products: Am I going to still be taxed? If no one buys or uses my services can I still have the name of the business and logo trademarked/registered? Please explain in layman's terms. more

Resolved Question: What do I need to start...?

Me and my cousin are wanting to do photography as a side "job", I guess you could say. We don't want it to be a 24 hour business, we just want to do it to make extra cash whenever we want to. We're both 15 years old, and we're really good considering our age and experience. We already have people wanting us to do weddings (from our parents spreading the word). What all do we need? We've already started putting our photography name that we want to use onto our photos, but I'm scared that someone will trademark it before we do. I've researched the name and so far nothing has come up as anyone already using it. So my question is: What all do we need? Do we need to register to the USPTO and get our name trademarked? I know it's not a full business, but I still would love to take precautions. If anyone can answer, it would help tremendously. :) more

Voting Question: Do I need to add a trademark symbol when repeatedly using the name of a business in a book?

(This business is the subject of my book, and I am using the business name in a positive light.) more

Resolved Question: Can someone trademark our club name and then request that we don't use it anymore?

Situation: We've started a triathlon training group in Nov 2008 in South Florida by using Meetup.com (we also have a facebook group). We have grown to 200 members who train and race together. We don't sell anything - membership and training with us is completely free. Nobody is looking to make a profit. We're not a business, just a club. In May 2009 a small business in Kansas started up with the same name as our group and they trademarked our club name. They are selling Triathlon coaching services. They just contacted us and demanded that we change our club name because they've trademarked it. The name has become our local identity. It is well known locally and we don't just want to give it up. What is the legal situation? Many thanks for any advice! more

Resolved Question: Can you trademark a business name that contains two colors...?

Can you trademark a business name that contains two colors.. Like green and yellow construction...I mean it's not generic anymore, since it has some thought behind it.. So can you trademark the name without any trouble? more

Resolved Question: Free copyright/trademark/patent?

I know that in the US you get free copyright without registration if you have proof that you created what ever you created, but what about patents and trademarks? is there any way to create a free trademark, i haven't the money to create one right now, but i just invented a cool name for my small business, is there a way to do it free?? more

Resolved Question: Copyright question: How to use copyrighted font for small business sign?

I want to create a business sign for a small business franchise. However, I want to copyright that name. I understand that a Trademark copyright needs to be done. How can I use copyrighted fonts or get non copyrighted fonts? It seems so hard. For example: I have used Microsoft office Arial to make my sign, but is not that font owned by microsoft ? How can Kinkos make signs using fonts that are not copyrighted. How to do my sign that has letters ?? more

Resolved Question: Domain name negotiation? Cybersquatting?

I'm in the middle of starting a small business and I was wanting to register [businessname].com. I found out that someone had parked the domain name and asked them if they wanted to sell the domain. He said yes and said that he valued it at $8,000. First of all this domain has no traffic, backlinks and all rankings (Alexa, Compete, pagerank, etc.) are all 0. I find the $8,000 ridiculous. The price range I was thinking was from $10 to the maximum of $300. I also have plans to register this business name and then trademark it. Do I or will I have any kind of way to get this domain from him, since he obviously has no rights or personal interest other than charging an insane amount? Does anyone have any advice? Been through a similar situation? Thanks in advance! more

Resolved Question: Why Do People Think Ouija Boards Are Dangerous?

Ok lets start with origins of the board itself. they whole idea of the panchette + board was invented around 1890 (patent filed in 1890) by Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard altho the patent itself (U.S. Patent 446,054) lists Charles W. Kennard and William H. A. Maupin as the owners of the patent even though its widely known Bond played a major piece in its design. The patent itself was granted on February 10, 1891. Also at the time of filing it wasn't called an ouija board and had no definitive function and was said to be used for anything from contacting the dead to readings of the future. It wasn't till 1901 when William Fuld took over the Ouija Board business from Charles Kennard that it really took off. Fuld claimed he had invented the board himself named it the ouija board (a word which mean precisely squat) and marketed it with the sole purpose of contacting the dead. Soon as it gain in popularity replica board started being produced and fuld took many companies to court trademarked the name ouija and continued to fight till his death. Now a days the trademark is owned by mattle. So the board was designed by no believers looking for some money. lets look at the idea its based on FUJI Im guessing most of the people on here wont even have heard the word (except maybe the company) . Fuji is an ancient chinese panchette writing that the ouija board is loosely based on. While fugi is tied to the summoning of "spirits" (Note: not the dead) it was manly used for gaining insight into the future and past rather than conversing with the spirits themselves and wasn't considered dangerous. Ok so still no danger. Science, this is probably quite unwelcome but its all cause by the ideomotor effect lots of studies have been done into this but the most amusing and easy to get hold of (as i think its probably somewhere on youtube or elsewhere online) would be the one done on Penn & Teller: Bullshit! program (sorry about the name but thats what it was called) where the ouija board was switch round while the people doing it were blindfolded. So can some1 tell me why they think ouija baords are dangerous, with details not just saying, "it opens portals to hell" but explaining where these beliefs stem from. Or is it just people making stuff up as they along.JJT fancy putting up links to these "confirmed cases" of panchettes moving on there own and different languages also since no1 spoke the language how was it identified and translated???michelle b wicca was invented in 1920-1930 where ouija boards were invented in 1890....... so ouija board came first. more

Resolved Question: Can i register a business name that is already registered in another country?

Hi there, I am about to start a small business in Australia, and am looking at ideas for my business name. Some of my ideas aren't registered by anyone in Australia, but they are used in other country (ie, UK, US etc). Does anyone know the laws regarding this, and whether i am breaching any kind of copyright or trademark by registering and using the name in Australia? I would be trading strictly in AU only, not overseas at all. Thanks heaps for your answers... :) more