Looks like I have to stop using the name of Thunder Forge. I did an internet search for TF to see if any of my work was out there and found this guys Myspace page. I thought I had sufficiently researched the name be for I started to use it. Now its back to the drowing board for a new name for my Forge...
http://www.myspace.com/thunderforgeblacksmith

Any suggestions for a new name for my forge???

Change it to "Thundering Forge"! You will just have to work faster (eg,like greased lighting)!! You will find a lot of duplication of forge names across the world. Just check on Raven Forge There is at least two in Oz I'll bet you have quite a few in north America (including Canada).      Is he close to you? Otherwise leave it as it is or add Phoenix after it, your customers and your type of work might never cross!
Graeme

One possibility I have come up with is Iron Thunder Forge...

That sounds good, one powerful sounding name. One of the blacksmith's in our group (he makes knives also) calls himself "Iron Lord Forge."
Graeme

I wouldn't sweat it, Brian. Like Graene said, there is duplication in names world wide.

Maybe I should trademark my forge name- "Flatbroke Forge"...lol. If at least on piece of my equipment isn't flat broke, my wallet is....lol.

You may have no need for a new trademark, unless you have decided that you just need it. Read this-
http://www.iusmentis.com/trademarks/crashcourse/rights/

I wonder how much business the other guy has done under his trademark. A MySpace page doesn't carry much weight.

How about "Phoenix Hammers Always Raising Thunder Soundly
Sorry Papaw, the devil made me do it."

PHARTS - I like it!!

Quote from: Papaw on August 26, 2011, 09:13:11 AM
You may have no need for a new trademark, unless you have decided that you just need it. Read this-

I want the name of my forge to be unique and since I got my love for Smithing while I was in Germany I have narrowed it down to three names. Amboss Forge- Anvil forge, Hinterhof Forge- Back Yard Forge and Messer Schmied Forge- Knife Smith Forge.

Hinterhof Forge- Back Yard Forge

That fits!

Quote from: Papaw on August 26, 2011, 04:05:44 PM
Hinterhof Forge- Back Yard Forge

That fits!

That it does...

I like that one also, Papaw. I think it really fits Brian.

I couldn't tell much about the guys skills, considering that his Myspace page is about the rattiest, ugliest form of webpage I've seen in a while. That site definitely looks bush-league in my opinion. I couldn't navigate it to find pics of any of his work. The embedded media player kept me from scrolling sideways. I didn't find any links to any other page where I could see his work.

You (Brian), on the other hand, take tasteful pictures of your creations and post them here and on facebook so we all can see your talent. You don't brag about how long you have been smithing, you just does it, and do it well.

I say keep "Thunder Forge" and to heck with everyone else. I wouldn't worry about changing it unless it really bothers you.

You could even add your full name plus "Proprietor" or "Owner" under your forge name, then you will be sure to not be mistaken as any other forge with the same name.