Competition using my company name

[roots]

My competition is using my company name on site to achieve better position on SERP.

One of them is cloaking that name at top of the page (I can't believe that still works).

Another one use my company name in title tag! Title looks like this (including smiley):
his_company/site_name.com IS NOT my_company_name :)

Do I have any legal right to force them to remove my company name from site?

[VegasRook]

If you have the name under trademark then seek an IP lawyer because they will end up removing it or pay for it.

If your company is incorporated, has been around for a bit and can show clearly that they are using your name for gain--perhaps.

Bottom line is: without a trademark, you will have a costly fight. Even with a trademark you might but that trademark gives you a stronger foundation to stand on.

An IP lawyer can give you the right advice quickly though.

[roots]

tnx a lot for your advice but situation is little complicated now...

Name is protected by trademark, but only as "widget" and not as "blue widget", even our logo is blue and market recognizes us as the only one "blue widget"

I hope that you will understand what I said ;)

I contacted IP lawyer and waiting for reply now.

[VegasRook]

I understand. Good move on contacting an IP lawyer. IP law can be very complicated and seeking a practicing lawyer is required.

Good luck with it.

[bluebottle]

Hi,

I might be worth contacting the search engines that the competitor is beating you on, and highlight the issue to them.