Business Name Similarity?

[Kenneth C Merrill]

Hey Guys,

I've chosen a name that I really like for my production company. I think it fits my personality; it fits my approach; it's catchy; and I think it's very brand-able.
But there's a hitch.
Another company has a very similar name; they do video game documentaries and have a YouTube channel with about 20,000 subscribers. Their name is basically the one I like but backwards.

For example, I might like the name "Up First," and their company name is "1st Up Productions."

I'm not interested in doing video game documentaries or starting a YouTube channel. They're based in Oregon while I'm in SoCal. I don't think there will be a legal issue if I move forward with registering my name, but I'm wondering if it's advisable from a business standpoint. I think there is a lot I can do to mitigate any confusion between us (well-designed business cards, always including direct links to my site, etc.), but I want some other people's input.

I know it's easy enough to say "just pick a different name." But it has literally taken months to decide on the current one; I'm super picky; and I don't want to start all over again--but I will if people genuinely think it's a bad idea. Thoughts?

 

[Randy Kessler]

Hello Kenneth,
IMHO, I do not see an issue with using the name that you like! There are alot of companies out there with similar names, if not the same name. If you build your brand correctly, there will be no confusion at all. Good luck!

 

[Brody_B]

If its only similar its certainly ok to do it, if its soo similar that your potential clients would mistake their work for yours, then it would be a problem.