I want to start a game company, and want to call it a name (well duh) how can I check whether another company like in germany doesn't already have my name copyrighted etc.

Quote: Original post by Ultimate_Fusion
I want to start a game company, and want to call it a name (well duh)
how can I check whether another company like in germany doesn't already have my name copyrighted etc.

Names are trademarked; in the US, you can search trademarks at the USPTO. Example European trademark search service. European Trademarks.
See google for European Trademark, etc.

Quote: Original post by John Schultz

Quote: Original post by Ultimate_Fusion
I want to start a game company, and want to call it a name (well duh)
how can I check whether another company like in germany doesn't already have my name copyrighted etc.

Names are trademarked; in the US, you can search trademarks at the USPTO. Example European trademark search service. European Trademarks.
See google for European Trademark, etc.

Many company names are never registered trademarks. (They are still a trademark.)

You have to do your own searching beyond just checking for registered trademarks. An hour or so with all the major search engines can help there. In the US (yes, the OP was in the UK so it doesn't apply) many states have 'business entity' searches to help find business names. That search will take a little bit longer if you decide to do it.