Starters
When you start a company, you choose a tradename. That choice is worthwhile to examine whether you are entitled to use this name. Because it would be a shame if the trade already exists elsewhere in this country and used by a company dealing with the same goods and services.
The Handelsnaamwet and Merkenwet (Benelux Convention on Trademarks) has the intention to avoid confusion. It is therefore prohibited to use trade names that have already used by another, or names that are too close to it. The location and the activities of the company play an important role too.
Registered trademarks are brands / names that are registered under Benelux Convention for Trademarks enjoy protection throughout Benelux. You may be in violation of existing names and protected by trademark laws. It is when you start your business probably prudent to capture (at least) your domain name.
A wrong choice of a trade name for your company can result in (legal) effects, both material (new printing) as immaterial (branding, image). Ask us for advice free at info@merkecht.com!
