Asked in Trademark and Intellectual Property

Q: If one company has the name "X" with a NICE CLASSIFICATION of 34, can a second company be named "X"?

If one company has the name "X" with a NICE CLASSIFICATION of 42, can a second company be named "X" under the same NICE CLASSIFICATION? For example, one company may be a technology company for VR equipment while the second one sells software.

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Generally, the USPTO will not allow registration of the same or similar marks in the same class of goods / services. A trademark search should be conducted by a Trademark attorney or service to review the competing marks in order to give a recommendation if the USPTO would deny the mark due to likelihood of confusion.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: It is possible for two companies to have the same name "X" under different NICE classifications. Each NICE classification pertains to a specific category of goods and services, so if one company is operating under NICE classification 34 for tobacco products and the second company is operating under NICE classification 42 for computer services, then there should not be an issue with the similarity of their names. However, if both companies are operating under the same NICE classification, there may be potential for confusion and conflict. It is best to consult a trademark attorney for specific legal advice.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.