Register MyCompanyName ltd. or GenericName ltd?

Is it better to protect your brand, or have a name you can re-use?

[Wi11]

I've been running "MyCompanyName" as a sole-trader for a year or two and am wanting to go ltd.

I don't know whether I should register MyCompanyName ltd. or SomeGenericName ltd. I'm considering the latter because then if I start a new project in a different area to my current project, they'll be separated.

Or should I register MyCompanyName ltd. and just register NewCompanyName ltd. later if needed, leave it as dormant and trade through MyCompanyName ltd.

I think I'm leaning towards registering SomeGenericName ltd. but would there be a risk of someone registering MyCompanyName ltd. and that causing problems.

I realise this shouldn't be as confusing as I've made it for myself. :D

[LifeinAsia]

If people know you already as MyCompanyName, why confuse them by changing it? I hate it when our partners/business associates change their names. Everyone continues to call them by their old name for months or years, so it dillutes their brand awareness.

[aactive]

If you are planning other projects then I think you come up with an all encompassing name that you can "brand" over time, and is representative of your overall identity, not just a single project.

Look at most of the major brands you see around you, they identify the whole entity mostly, not just a specific product or service.

Shaun

[Leosghost]

for the little it costs ...register both ..keep one dormant ..later use it as the the holding company for the other(s)