(a) A surname is considered to be a "word." Where a proposed entity name contains a surname as the second "word" and contains a given name or initials as a first "word" which is different from the first "word" of an existing entity, the name is not similar.
- (1) Example: E. G. Williams Electric Company is not similar when compared to Williams Electric Company.
- (2) Example: Jim Smith, Inc., is not similar when compared to Smith, Inc.
- (3) Example: Ralph A. Johnson, Inc., is not similar when compared to Ralph Johnson, Inc.
- (b) The use of a surname, or surnames, as part of a proposed entity name is not similar if there is some other sufficient basis for distinction of the two entity names. Example: Davis & Davis, P.C., is not similar when compared to Davis & Davis Publication, Inc.
Source Note:The provisions of this §79.45 adopted to be effective September 15, 1981, 6 TexReg 3249; amended to be effective January 2, 1992, 16 TexReg 7469.