How Business Name Protection Saved Curious Cubs from Brand Confusion

When you’re building a business, your name is everything. It’s how people find you, talk about you, and remember you. But what happens when someone else starts using a name that’s dangerously similar – just down the road?

For Kirsty, founder of Curious Cubs, that nightmare became a reality.

The Challenge: A Business Name Battle Close to Home

Kirsty launched Curious Cubs – an outdoor stay-and-play business – while on maternity leave. She wanted to give her business the strongest start possible, so she chose a name that reflected her values, checked it wasn’t already in use, and protected it with Business Name Protection from the National Business Register.

“I didn’t want to risk someone copying the name or customers getting confused,” Kirsty said. “I knew how important it was to get ahead of that from the start.”

Eighteen months later, that decision paid off.

A similar stay-and-play business popped up just two roads away – with a strikingly similar name.

“People Thought It Was Me”

It didn’t take long for the confusion to kick in. Kirsty’s customers started reaching out, some congratulating her on a ‘new branch,’ others sending screenshots asking if she’d rebranded.

“Within a week, half of my social media followers had started following them.
My customers were booking with the new business, assuming it was mine.”

What started as confusion quickly became a serious threat to her reputation, customer base, and income.

But because she’d protected her name, Kirsty didn’t have to fight this battle alone.

The Solution: Expert Help, No Legal Headaches

As soon as she saw what was happening, she informed National Business Register.

“Mitch and Corin were exceptional.
I didn’t have to worry about legal fees. They handled everything professionally and quickly.”

NBR communicated with the other business on Kirsty’s behalf, explained the issue, and resolved the situation – all without the need for a formal legal dispute.

The Outcome: Clarity, Confidence and Continued Growth

With the confusion cleared up, Kirsty could get back to doing what she does best – running and growing her business.

“I was in the middle of training to turn Curious Cubs into a forest school, so I didn’t have time for distractions.
Having NBR in my corner meant peace of mind – no stress, no wasted money, and I stayed in control.”

Why This Matters for Every Business Owner

Kirsty’s story is one we hear all too often – but most business owners don’t realise how vulnerable their name is until it’s too late.

• Your name can be copied, even accidentally
• Customer confusion can cost you real money
• Rebranding or legal battles can be expensive and exhausting
• Reputation damage is hard to undo

But with Business Name Protection, you’re not alone. You get:

• Proof of your claim to the name
• Expert help if someone tries to pass their business off as yours
• £10,000 of legal assistance
• Confidence to grow without looking over your shoulder
• Peace of Mind

Protect Your Name Before Problems Arise

If someone else starts using a name like yours, the impact can be immediate and devastating – as Kirsty nearly found out.

But because she acted early, she stayed in control.

“If you’re wondering whether Business Name Protection is worth it – my answer is 100% YES.”

Don’t wait until confusion costs you customers

Learn more about Business Name Protection
Call us on 0800 069 9090 or email info@nbrg.co.uk