small business name and trademarks

rickyroma

I am about to start a small business offering a service from home.
I have looked on the HMRC site and it mentions not having a trademark in my name.
Lets say , for example I wanted to call my self bluechip window breaking services. ( just an example !!)
When you search for bluechip trademarks there are lots of results but nothing for bluechip window breaking services of course.
So how are lots of people able to register the same name .. bluechip?
And would I be ok to call a business bluechip window breaking services or would I be in trouble from someone who has registered bluechip ??

paddyrg

Hmrc don't really care what you're called, just that you pay tax. You can be Steve t/a whatever, as far as they care.

If you want a ltd company, search companieshouse webcheck which will tell you what names are registered as UK limited companies - if nothing comes up similar you're pretty much free to use it, either becoming a registered limited company (expect it to cost you a grand or so a year in accounting overheads, not worth it to many people), or as Steve t/a whatever (and just ask your back for a business account).

You do want to avoid causing confusion for consumers, so go for a good clear name, ie not one that a competitor could claim was an attempt to steal their business. It's not a legal requirement so much as savers you getting sued for 'passing off'!