It’s hard for me to write this, but after much thought, I feel like I need to share my experience openly and honestly with you all. Over the past few months, I’ve been on the receiving end of some pretty aggressive letters from another company, demanding I remove the word Green from my website and therefore indirectly, that I change my business name. Why? Because they’ve trademarked the word "Green." Yes, seriously.
For context, I founded my company, GoGreen Financial Services, in 2021. The other company rebranded and changed their name and bought the trademark in 2022.
I’ve spoken to solicitors, and they tell me my case is solid. After all, I’ve been running my business successfully since before they secured their trademark. even with a strong case, I simply don’t have the resources to fight it.
So, despite my pride in what I’ve built - I think I have no choice but to submit to the bullying tactics and change my company’s name. As much as I hate to write this, it feels like my only option, because the alternative could bankrupt me.
I’m devastated. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this business, and more than that, I’ve built something I truly believe in. My goal from day one has been to run a financial services company with a "green" ethos—donating to environmental charities, volunteering, and helping clients make more sustainable financial choices. Changing the name feels like a personal loss, but my mission will never change.
I’m reaching out to you, my community, for help. I need ideas for a new name that will still reflect my values. Some thoughts that have crossed my mind are Sarah Murray Mortgages (so I'm safe from this happening again) or Eco Financial Services, but I’d love to hear what you think.
Keeping the green theme alive is really important to me, and I still want to be associated with sustainable financial advice and giving back to environmental causes.
It’s a daunting place to be—facing a potential court battle that could leave me financially and emotionally drained with no guarantee of success. Because in trademark cases, the loser can end up paying not only their own costs but potentially damages and the other side’s legal fees too.
So, for now, I’m preparing to change the name of my business, but I refuse to let this situation change my passion or my purpose. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for the new name.
Thank you so much for reading and for being part of this journey with me. The name may change, but the mission stays the same. 💚
Sarah xx
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