Can two businesses in two different states have the same name?

Question

Both deal with the same type of business, Courier, logistics type of work

Answer 1

Yes.

It is common to find the same name used by another business in a different state. When you form a corporation in your state, states only require that the corporation's name be distinguishable (ie. different) from the names of other corporations and/or other business entities that are registered in the state of incorporation.

UNLESS one business has trademarked the name. In such case, the company can send a cease and desist to the other company in a different state to stop using the name

Answer 2

That’s not an automatic yes/no. It would depend on copyright & trademark laws, among other things.  This is the kind of question that requires a lawyer’s review.

Here’s an example of two times when companies shared the same name. One establishment had to change their name, another did not.

http://starbulletin.com/2004/04/09/busin...  

Answer 3

Yes, and it is very common.  Think of how many times you see name's of businesses like "Anthony's Pizza" if you drove cross country.

imisidro has done his usual excellent job at giving you an answer. I would only add that if a corporation in State A where to expand into a neighboring state where there is already a corporation using their name they would have to operate in the new state using a DBA.  

Answer 4

Yes, because each state is in charge of registering its own trade names.

However, specific names can become registered trademarks with the Federal Government, which means you cant use that name in any state.