"Franchise movin' in on mom & pop" Mon Feb-19-07 02:15 PM by JasonLA
I have a long-established business in my hometown. We've been using our business name for 30+ years. A new franchise (less than 5 years old) has been operating under the exact same name as our business in other parts of the country. Who wins trademark issues in my town? The new, nationally recognized franchise, or my 30+ year reputation in the town?
In other words, can someone start a franchise with a name already used in localized, isolated instances across the country?