What to do when your business name is already taken in New Zealand?
Hi,
I’ve had a business name idea for a while but have just discovered that the name is in use in NZ, in the exact same market I’m interested in - designer homeware.
Yet in Aus it’s not registered. Are there any shared registries between Aus and NZ or would there be any complication with starting a business in Aus in the same name and field as an existing one in NZ?
Thanks in advance
As far as I know, there aren't any shared registries. You can register and use that name in Australia, but you will run into problems if you decide to expand into NZ. That's why some big corporations have different names in different countries because by the time they want to enter a market, the name's already taken legally.
Bear in mind that registering a business name is not the same as protecting it intellectually. Any trademarks or copyright will have to be filed separately. Your business name could still be infringing the intellectual assets of another business. I suggest checking IP Australia too, and domain names so that you get the easiest and most memorable website address.
If you search a business name in ASIC and it's available then you can register it. If it's registered in NZ and not in AU then it's probably because they are not planning to operate in AU anytime soon.
