Can I name my company after a computer science algorithm? Like YC

[mahshidz]

How YCombinator did this? Does anything in the law prevent it? Do you have to take permission from the creator of the algorithm?

[heptathorp]

Why not? You could name your company after a fruit if you wanted to (as long as there isn't already a company in your industry with that name).

[kek918]

Who would name their company after a fruit anyway?

Oh wait, never mind

[sharemywin]

trademark database

http://tmsearch.uspto.gov

you should also check the state you live in. Secretary of state usually manages fictitious trade names

checking domain names is a good proxy also. if no one cared to buy xyz.com then they probably didn't trademark it, etc.

[kele]

I believe there is a big difference between Y combinator and Dijkstra. In the former case, it could be harder.

[mahshidz]

Can you elaborate more on this? It is harder to name?

[davismwfl]

I think the issue is using a generically named algorithm name versus using a persons name that the algorithm is named after could be a different story. In the example, Dijkstra is a surname, ycombinator is essentially just a made up name. So it could be conceivable that the estate or a living person could take issue (legal action) with you using their name. If I really wanted that name, I'd check with an attorney and probably get a release from the estate or living person to utilize their name in my company name, just to avoid any issues.

[kimolas]

Did you mean "In the latter case"?

[kele]

Yes, thanks!

[lumberjack]

Yes but I think it would then be harder to trademark. .

[floppydisk]

Trademarks can be industry specific. One could trademark a fruit or algorithm name in the context of a company.