Hi Tom,

I have started a pet sitting business.  I had my accountant register me with the Man and got my tax ID #.  I naively thought that this meant no one else had my name.  However, there is another company in this area that has a very similar name.  My accountant and I have submitted an application for a service mark and are waiting to hear back.  

Personally, I would rather not "steal" someone else's name but I am rather fond of my name/logo.  If this company has not service marked their name and I am able to do so, would you recommend that I keep my name?  I understand that our names/websites may get mixed up which could be good or bad.  But I have already had two or three other people in the business comment to me that there is another company with my name.  I just don't want any bad blood.  Plus, it is possible that in the future I may want to develop my own line of environmental enrichment toys for pets (to keep them busy while you're at work).  Any thoughts?

Diane Zahorodny

Owner

Watch Dogs  - Professional Pet Care and Photography

PO Box 824

Warrenville, IL 60555

(630) 730-3401

http://www.watchdogspetcare.com