Tinns2020
New Member
Hi all! Thanks for taking the time to read my question. I'm in the process of opening a restaurant in my city that was previously closed about 2-3 years ago. This was a hot spot and the only reason it closed down was the owner got himself into financial trouble after some bad decisions and filed bankruptcy. They had an assumed name under a Corp in MN. From what I understand assumed names aren't protected legally. I recently started an LLC under the same name used when they were open and plan on trademarking it as well. I plan on running this restaurant somewhat differently then they did. Similar, different menu, but same food for the most part as I know the recipes, although they are pretty simple. It's a hot sandwich shop. Doesn't take a genius to put a sandwich together. I have a different logo, not to infringe intellectual property rights. While I know I may be stepping on some toes as the original owner still lives in town, but I want to be sure I'm not doing anything illegal(my attorney says I'm not)or at least something where they can claim I'm stealing their name or idea and in the end and be forced to change the restaurants name. I'm pretty sure I'm in the clear here but would like your input. Thanks everyone!