Out of the Crisis.Org

[Fred W]

What’s in a name?

I find myself in a difficult position of changing my shop’s name after nine years under duress. Having created my name from the physical location, behind another building, I came up with Outback Auto. I started this shop like many other shop owners, I was first a tech, and had zero business experience so the name came by accident. It was born though giving directions over the phone to customers, I would point out a popular building out front and would say I’m right “outback”. People seemed to like it and it stuck. Well Subaru doesn’t seem to feel the same; apparently they have a car with the same name and feel my 2 bay shop “dilutes” their product. Some feel I may have a case and can fight although, I think they have more in the coffers for lawyers than me. So in my quest for a new identity I pose the question, how did you come up with your shops name? Is there any scientific research that would make a name more marketable?

[Louis Altazan]

[Bud]

From what I know about trademark infringment, you should be safe as long as you don't use the name "Subaru."

Of course, you are right about the great cost of fighting to prove that point.

Your name is always your legal right to use. What about 'Fred's Out Back automobile repair shop?'