thanks @cat ! I will get the USPTO trademark Marc mentioned! I didn't realise anyone could just come and take a name, did some AI research lol:
Burger King of Florida vs. Hoots (1979):
A small ice cream shop in Illinois called "Burger King" had been operating since 1957, predating the national fast-food chain's expansion into that state. When the larger Burger King tried to open in Illinois, the small shop sued. The court ruled that the smaller Burger King could continue using its name within a 20-mile radius of its original location, while the larger chain could use the name elsewhere in the state.
thanks @cat ! I will get the USPTO trademark Marc mentioned! I didn't realise anyone could just come and take a name, did some AI research lol:
Burger King of Florida vs. Hoots (1979):
A small ice cream shop in Illinois called "Burger King" had been operating since 1957, predating the national fast-food chain's expansion into that state. When the larger Burger King tried to open in Illinois, the small shop sued. The court ruled that the smaller Burger King could continue using its name within a 20-mile radius of its original location, while the larger chain could use the name elsewhere in the state.