Someone STOLE MY business name! VENT

[miss_jayne]

have you registered it with your state? that is where you start.

like MissPrissy said, if you haven't paid for it, it wont matter legally, even if it's on business cards, paperwork, websites etc. that is the key for these things. this does not work retro-actively.

first thing i did when setting up my business. of course, it helps that my husband works with the company counsel and they always are able to give us direction for free.

 

[MissPrissy]

Unless you have high priced lawyers to throw their weight around you are just creating a money pit for the courts for yourself. You would have to sue her in her state and county. Since she has been using it BEFORE you trademarked it and you are a small business she may be allowed to continue using it. You are not incorporated are you? I think you will make bills for yourself more than anything else.

You might be better served to put notices up on your website releiving yourself of obligations her business may reflect on you.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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I dunno?

It's just extremely frustrating! I know they say that impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery--but still! I'm not flattered, I'm livid!

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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Yes, I'm a licensed in WA state under Equibling, Equi-bling and Iced Out Equine.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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yeah, that's what my hubby suggested--something like a banner or disclaimer about her NOT being authorized to use the trade name Equi-bling and how she's NOT affilated with me, myself, my business, etc. Sighs....

I do work for the county prosecutor's office...so I've been getting lots of free legal advice.

My co-worker is the one who drafted the first letter that I sent her.

 

[miss_jayne]

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How unoriginal was she?? What ended up happening in your case?

i didn't pursue it. it wasn't necessary. people figured it out REALLY quick.

when you face paint like the pics below, and someone shows up to do junk, the impersonators die out! (yep, that is my work, they are both my daughter, Hannah)

 

[MissPrissy]

Very cool painting.

 

[miss_jayne]

thanks! i love doing it. makes the people getting painted feel special. the clown or entertainer is a catalyst, the event attendees are the STARS!

now, equibling...get out there and keep putting your best products forward. keep contact with a past clients, they are already money in your pocket.


hope it all works out to be perfect for you!

 

[horsejody]

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I think she has trademarked the the name. This is on the website:

Copyright 2008-2009. EquiBling.com. All rights reserved.

 

[MissPrissy]

That is not a legal trademark. That is a content copyright.