how to protect biz name?

[GlassStarz]

We had a guy here and just over the border with a chain of sports bars called CHEERS can you see the potential lawsuits? Problem solved they are now known as Bill Edwards Cheers. play with the name to make it yours

[DaveC]

I tend to agree, the big dog often does bite harder.

But, there may be a "middle" road for you to take;)

The business name and internet domain name ww.aol.com was first started by a little guy in Alabama. When America Online wanted it, they wrote him a very nice check.

As well, some little guy invented a formula for a carbonated soft drink beverage. Without producing a drop, he patented/trademarked "Coke".
He then went to Cocal Cola, and advised them that, by law, if someone were to ask for "a coke," his product would have to be served. Coca Cola immediately whipped out their checkbook and now hold both names.

Perhaps Glass Doctor (and I hate you for bringing this up 'cause now I can't get their stupid jingle out of my head;) might be willing to offer some compensation so that they may use your long established trade name rather than litigating?

Just a thought.

[gt_repair]

Glass doctor
You just said that people know you as "the windshield guy". why don't you just use that name? They all know you by that name, use it if you have it....

[Repair1]

The only reason I mentioned Safelite is because if there in a market you can count on it that Glass Doctor will be someday. However you said Harmon is already there which was purchased by Glass Doctor so your done just change it.

Use it to your advantage be the poor little guy that can't afford to fight the big boys it works. LOL

Good Luck

[glassdoctor]

Good thoughts, thanks. A couple quick questions...

I have thought of making a slight change before to DR.GLASS or DR. GLASS WNDSHIELD REPAIR, etc... You think that would be too similar?

Also, I want you opinions on the name GLASS MAGIC. Any big dogs or franchises using it? That's one name I could use and easily convert my logo designs to. And I think it has a big time sound... like a national chain. I found out that can come back to big you in the ass though.

DR.GLASS
DR.GLASS INC.
GLASS MAGIC
CLEAR FX
SPECIALIZED AUTO FX
THE WINDSHIELD GUY
WINDSHIELD REPAIR SPECIALISTS
GLASS REPAIR PROS
AUTOGLASS SPECIALTIES
THE WINDSHIELD REPAIR COMPANY

That's off the top of my head so far. I will do some thinking... thought I would throw some out there. Any sound familiar? Any to run away from as fast as I can?

Thanks
Dustin

[mafsu]

I don't know if they are still in business, but when I first started out I was using Glass Magic resin. I still see their kits(used ones) on ebay every once in a while. I believe they were in Texas. When I did a web search for windshield repair specialists the other day I found a company in CA that uses that name.

[glassdoctor]

Well, I have done some research on the internet checking out biz names, etc. No legal issues, just looking for a good name. If you want to check out who has a similar name as you, etc... try a quick search on yellowpages superpages website. Search by keyword and state.

I waded through a hundred pages of glass repair businesses.

I am thinking maybe CLEAR CONCEPTS COMPANY or something similar, because it would fit well with polishing glass and plastics too. I do some headlights and a glass scratch here and there when I have to.

Do you guys know if I can use a name like Clear Concepts Company officially, for tax purposes, etc. But then use a couple variations like Clear Concepts Windshield Repair on invoices, shirts, etc. when doing WSR and Clear Concepts Polishing Systems on brochures, invoices, etc for these customers? Without having to run separate businesses, of course.

I know technically I could put whatever I want on my shirt... "super duper chip fixer inc."

But invoices and bank accounts may be different. Can you have two different bank accounts, but file as only one main business. Hmmm... if I start a snow shoveling side biz, maybe I could call it Clear Concepts also.

Man, I need to go talk to the tax man... my brain hurts and I think it's the I.R.S.'s fault.

[desertstars]

Glassdoctor.

Don't take me wrong here.

I believe in the KISS principle and I explained that in a previous unrelated post along with the Peter Principle.

This matter is NOT complicated.

As I previously suggested, continue to use the name without any further substantial investment in promotional materials until you are requested to cease and desist.

If and when that happens.

Then transform yourself to Glass Doctor Senior or Junior if you like the name; call your clients and inform them of your new name.

Look at this scenario as a potential positive rather than a heart-rending, negative.

It will give you a legitimate reason to call your past invoices to inform them of the name change (whatever name change) and I'll lay you twenty to one you'll make a bunch of bucks in the process from customers who have back-burnered repair calls.

It's either partly cloudy or partly sunny depending on how one prefers to look at the weather.

[glassdoctor]

Hope you don't mind me using the forum as a sounding board. I just have been around the computer a lot lately.

Desertstars, I get what you mean. Normally, I am the type to confront the system. You know, like a kid that won't clean his room just because his mom told him to. Case in point, I have purposely gone against the Ins Networks rules, and get some satisfaction by "screwing" them out of their fees even though it's a bit of hassle.

But, I thought about my situation, and it's like a train wreck coming, it's just a matter of time. Glass Doctor is a huge company... they will get their way, and I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I want to invest in some new marketing materials pretty soon, and I don't want to wait and be forced to do anything. I think I need to just jump off the tracks and walk now while the timing is right.

Thanks for the input guys...

I am looking at this as an opportunity to step back and find a better name, logo, graphics, etc. Even though I really liked what I was doing recently with "glassdoctor".

I know the name is not what make a good biz, but it does project an image.... good, bad or indifferent. I hope to find an new image that screams... something....

[shepardh1]

http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.c ... 6&ran=5956

I know this is a late post, but... Yep, change it. You might do it in stages and really think about your marketing campaign.
1st year - The Glass Doctor has graduated and is now the Professor of Glass (DBA at this point would be, "Professor of Glass, the glass doctor")
2nd year - Don't settle for a glass doctor, you deserve a Professor of Glass (DBA at this point would be, "Professor of Glass"
3rd Year - Mytownville's original leader is still the leading expert in Windshield Replacement & Repair, The Professor of Glass (DBA The Professor of Glass)

Obviously, you would not have to use Professor.. it could be Expert, or Guy..or..or..

Another marketing strategy could be to start telling all your clients that you are changing your name because of the reputation doctors are getting because of their ridiculous prices and shoddy work... ... kinda start laying the groundwork to ruin the name Glass Doctor on your terms... this is risky because you could get sued by deep-pockets Synergistic International LLC or similar.

The good news is that they will only attack small-timers who work in the same area that they have or will-have franchises... they have a right to protect their name and all of their advertising dollars... but many rural areas like mine have never heard of Glass Doctor while my similar name has done tens of thousands of dollars of marketing... the thing is; I can act tough until they file a motion to suppress the deflation of the megabyte habeas corpus... I would be confused and my attorney would explain that he can fight and win it.... but that motion alone will cost $23,500 or more.... I lose...