I am opening a online business in a few months and came up with a name months ago. I looked it up in the U.S. trademark database and on google and yahoo search engine and came up with nothing so I was good. Well I have recently been getting everything in order to start my business and did another web search just to make sure and unfortunately found that there is now another business who offers similar products under the same name; BUT they are in Canada and I am in the U.S. and they are not trademarked. Can I still register and use my name? Thanks!
      Answer1:check with your local business registry dept. if you can trade mark it before them in the usa then its yours for the usa
      Answer2:Since they were established first with the same name and sell products in a similar category, you could end up running into trouble if they apply for an international trademark.I agree with the other answerers to check your local business registry and try to get a US trademark asap. Be prepared to spend lots of money and time on that. It can takes years to get approved if there are any discrepancies.