Rename my studio?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Aaron Cheney
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Aaron Cheney

Aaron Cheney

Favorite Chord: C 6/9
Crap! I had chosen a name for my studio, developed a slogan and a great logo, was getting ready to create business cards and other marketing stuff, and BAM..... I find out another studio here in Seattle is using the same name.

Crap.

So....do I forge ahead, or do I start over? I'm hoping to be a production studio, and they seem to be a commercial place that does live acts and so forth, so we're marketing to different audiences. Still, it just seems weird to have the same name as another studio right here in town.

They have kind of a lame logo, and my wife thought I should phone them up and see if they would be interested in buying the one I have developed. Hmmm.

What would you do?

Aaron
http://www.aaroncheney.com
 
Gutted,

A few problems come to mind. If you did proceed with the name you would undoubtadly have to contact them to talk it over with them (they will most likley prove to be a pain and uneasy about the association (even though only in name)).

Aproaching them with the logo will IMHO be a dissapointment. They may well be interested with the design/idea but I doubt they would pay for it (little if anything (just my opionion though)), remember changing the image of a company costs a lot of money in re-doing signs, letter heads, business cards and merchandise if they have any; not to mention the loss of familiararity with the previous logo.; it's more likely to occur if they are trying to revamp the company image.

On the other hand maybe they'd be interested in being directly linked with your studio and could even put business your way if you convinced them it was in their interests; the problem however being that there would be a direct link so problems with one company might effect the other (again, even if only in name)and the future of your own company might not entirely be in your hands, with resulting implications. I know it's pretty vague and maybe unrealistic here but it's really just about the thought of association, continued below.

Next would be reputation. Word of mouth is imperative for small scale business and you shouldn't be associated with another company of the same name if you can help. If the 'word on the street' is that this company has a bad reputation or develops one then you may be in for it; maybe less business. Who knows maybe they'll turn around in a years time and blame you for a decline in their business, which could get nasty (stranger things have happened).

All in all I'd start over. I hope you haven't invested much money in the project so far. Maybe you could incorporate the design into your new company name/logo, starting over, though annoying is generally quicker the second time around.

To sum up, in the long run I think you'll be pleased you didn't use the same name, it's just another thing to have to worry about. By all means approach the company with the logo (may be a good idea to phone them first to try and grasp if there is enthusiasm/interest, or wheather you'd just be wasting your time). If you decide to keep the name I would advise you go talk to them first.
 
Its happened many times before Aaron, its time to change the name. You don't want possible lawsuits or even just customers going to the other studio because it was word of mouth confusion. So whats the other Seattle Studio that had the same name? It wasn't kid cosmic was it? Try Cheney's Stadium sized recordings...


Peace,
Dennis
 
If you want to open a real business you will need to get a license for tax purposes, bank accounts, insurance, etc. They wont let you use the same name as somebody else. If you have the same word in the title but it is a different name than you are probably okay. Just adding one or two words should put you in the clear. Unless you are trying to use "Sony" or "Star Wars" ;)
 
atomictoyz said:
So whats the other Seattle Studio that had the same name? It wasn't kid cosmic was it? Try Cheney's Stadium sized recordings...


Peace,
Dennis
Click to expand...



I had planned on using: ORBIT AudioGraphics, and my slogan was "a creative revolution", but there is an ORBIT Audio in Seattle already. And then of course Cheney Stadium was gone too.:) Good local reference! Too bad I'm not tied into that $.
LOL:D


BTW, how did you know about the Kid Cosmic reference? I'm not sure I've ever disclosed that moniker on this BBS. You must know more about me than I do about you.

Just curious.

Aaron
http://www.aaroncheney.com
 
Your memory is slippin Aaron...Check your emails from a month or two ago...Lindberg high school... I grew up in Renton Wa. Does any of this ring even the tiniest bell? I must add though I am quite invisible and blend well with the surroundings. Even my wife forgets who I am on occasion!

Peace,
Dennis
 
Yeah, thats it.

I couldn't decide whether a wierd purple pineapple or goofy was more descriptive. At least you noticed, its like when I get a haircut, no one ever notices. Im still looking for a suitable custom icon.

What about ORBIT Pro-AudioGraphics?
or even Orbital Productions might do...same slogan would fit both.


Peace,
Dennis
 
Such a small planet dru! I live in Federal Way, SW corner by Dash Point State Park, I grocery shop in Tacoma, its only 3 minutes from my door.

Peace,
Dennis
 
Aaron,

A slight change in the name would probably save your ass when it comes to lawsuits. Like atomictoyz suggested, "orbital productions" etc. However, I think it would save you a lot of headaches in the future if you changed your name. If you have similar names with similar areas (music) you're going to end up confusing your customers. Also you may want to cross business with the other company someday, and having similar names may cause bad feelings.

When choosing a name, register it with your state. I'm not exactly sure the exact procedure is in your state, but here in Minnesota it's just a quick call to the Capitol where they verify if the name is already registered or not. Here I think it's called a DBA (Doing Business As... assumed name), but i know it varies slightly from state to state.

-Sal
 
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