Hi All,
I'm new to the site and would greatly appreciate any advice you could offer.
In 2008 I opened a business as a sole trader, which for various reasons closed in May of this year. Upon telling my landlord that I had no choice but to leave, he reacted very badly and changed the locks on the premises and stood over me (and a team of volunteers!) for five hours as I cleared out my belongings. At the time of closing I owed him one months rent. I apologised and explained that I knew I had no hope of being able to make it, so instead of becoming more indebted to him, I forfeited my deposit, which was to the value of 2.5 months rent. Despite being put under pressure, I managed to take everything that I owned except my business sign, which cost me €380. This was merely an oversight on the day.
Last week I was informed that the landlord had secured a new client. To be honest, I genuinely wished them the best. A few people had approached me and asked if I was reopening, which surprised me a little until I opened the local paper yesterday. There was an ad stating that my previous business (the exact same name) was reopening under new management. The design of the ad was practically identicial, to one I had a graphic designer submit to the paper on my behalf, some time back.
My question to you is this; can the new business owners trade under a name I have registered with CRO? Can I do anything to prevent them advertising in the manner in which they have? Am I within my rights to ask for my sign back? There's a large festival coming up in the town, at which my business had historically done very well. I feel that the new owners are planning to cash in on the goodwill I had built up.
I have a new business(different industry) in the same town and I dont want to be associated with the old one any longer.
Sorry that this is so long winded, but I dont where else I can get independent advice on the matter. Thanks.