Hey,


I've been interested in getting in to the web hosting business for a few years now and I'm finally getting around to organizing a business setup with serious intentions. I've been very meticulous about this process because there are so many kiddie hosts out there trying to make a quick buck which I really despise.

So I've hit a roadblock. Early on in the process, I choose the name Inno Internet and registered the domain. A week ago I spend some time researching possible business name conflicts and ran in to InnoHosting. Business law essentially states that I can't pick a name which could cause customer confusion. So I've been wondering how confusing or unfair it would be for me to use the business name Inno Internet. There are so many hosting companies out there that it's hard not to pick a similar name.

I like my business name, but I don't want to step on another well established company's toes. How do you guys think I should precede?

I would change the name as the appearance to many consumers would be you are trying to create confusion. However, legally, if the business is not registered in the same state as you, and the name is not a registered trademark, there are no actual legal protections for that name.

InnoHosting reps are quite active on here, and they are well known.

You'll be facing a brick wall basically if you choose that name, I'd recommend going with something else otherwise you'll soon see that people don't like it when you take their name.

I agree, too similar. The last thing you want is people thinking that you're trying to copy InnoHost when they see your name too.:)

Good luck with your name search!

While I'd suggest changing Inno are a UK company and unless they have trademarks on it you can legally use it.

But I'd still change it as you don't want to cause any confusion.

They'd be too similar IMO.

Plus, think about it logically - someone (one of your customers) may recommend "Inno Internet" (or "Inno Net" etc) to a friend. That friend, a few hours/days later, searches but can't fully remember the name. They'd probably come across Inno hosting via a Google search, instead of your host.

I'd aim to change your name. When I was picking my host's name, I found a number of good ones that were taken in some other domain to the pure .com. However I didn't think it was worth it - too much potential for confusion. I ended up with a good domain (I bought it, for mid $xx) which wasn't crossing paths with anything else.

Very much true but honestly i have seen so many diffrent domain's that have caused confusion but nothing has happend to them. But it wont look good on your side so try not to consider it.

Yeah, you're within your rights to use it. However what if in the future you want to market to the WHT crowd, or something else happens... there's loads of ways choosing a similar name could come back to bite you in the butt.

You could keep the name similar just by adding an extra syllable to the end of "inno" - I'm assuming you're trying to imply "innovation" so why not check of names like "innova", "innovis", things like (I'm half asleep and just plucked them out of the air, I hope there's not some huge company I'm forgetting about and in a few hours I'll hate myself for posting those) that have any established brand near them in the web hosting industry.

Try taking your chosen word and adding all kinds of "latin sounding" syllables to the end of it, and see if you can find one that tickles your fancy and isn't an established brand.

Remember also that branding is a two-way street, if things went really well for you it may be that eventually you're not stepping on their brand, but you're stepping on your own due to confusion with them. Branding is one of those things where the longer you've had it, the more it pays off (just look at AT&T vs SBC) so you want to pick the right one now.

Very much true but honestly i have seen so many diffrent domain's that have caused confusion but nothing has happend to them.

If it caused confusion then something happened e.g. lost sells. Let's say someone has a bad experience with Inno Hosting and tells it to friends, posts in forums, etc. I think a prospect may read about this and then easily confuse your Inno Internet with Inno Hosting. Or someone may recommend Inno Internet for other people who will sign up .... Inno Hosting. And, of course, vice-versa.

Good luck if you decide on another name its not to hard.

Good luck if you decide on another name its not to hard.

Actually, picking a name is one of the hardest things in business.

Actually, picking a name is one of the hardest things in business.
Agreed. It's slightly easier if you go out and buy the domain you want, but picking a good name and trying to hand reg it is actually very hard nowadays (unless you call your company OIijk9f3opkfew :stickout: )

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OIijk9f3opkfew.com not available
$18.99
Backorder
Now†

:D
Oh darn, all the good names really are taken :D

"OIijk9f3opkfew - Quality hosting, low prices" :agree:

If someone says "Inno sucks!" in some forum, both you and InnoHosting will suffer :)

You should try a little harder and find another name.

Thanks for the feedback. I will find another name because I agree with you all that it would be too confusing.

This process is no fun. ;)

if you need any help, maybe we can help you decide a new domain

I agree find a new name. POsisbly sell yours to the other company. They should of protected there trademark better.

I agree with everything that has been said.

Think of a new name, is your best option. Try to think of something brandable instead of the cliche words in your company name.

whats all this talking about a 'name' its a brand! you need to find a brand that when you type it into google it comes up with nothing :) Thats what i do anyway..