Can I legally name my business "college"? ie: "Sewing College" or "Sewing University"

Question

This question is for all the creative marketing and business minds out there... I have a niche business. I teach a lost arts sewing classes. How do you feel about naming my business something like (examples): "Sewing College" or "College of Sewing" or "Sewing University" if the name has not been taken? I would make it very clear that it is not an accredited college. Also, I am not the first one to come up with a novelty name... ie. there is a "Clown College", "Santa Claus College" and "McDonald U". There was even a restaurant near me that was called "XX Airport" but it was obviously not an airport. What say you? I am looking for honest feedback. Do you like the name game?

Answer 1

i would say go for it. i have a cleaning business named don't worry cleaning janitorial service. I loved my named and prayed that it wasn't taken. in the state i live in you can name your business what ever you like as long as its not taken. if someone has sewing college you can change it to sewing college 101 and its fine or sewing university to sewing u. but you must say its not a college. check your state business laws. search yahoo with your state business laws and go from there.  GOOD LUCK !!

Answer 2

yes. college is a generic word and as such no one has monopoly over it. you can legally regeister Sewing College as a legitimate business even if you are a one person construction company.

Answer 3

Legaly yes in most states.  Practically if you teach very advanced sewing techniques it's a good name it you are looking for beginners they may fear it would be beyond them.