If I own a carpet cleaning business, what recourse do I have regarding a competitor?
Question Details: Earlier this year I moved out of state. Before I left I sold my business phone number to a competitor. However, my move didn't work out, so I moved back and resumed my business with a new phone number, as the competitor wouldn't sell me back my original number. Now that the new phone books have come out, he still has the number I sold him listed under my business name. Now when customers want to get a hold of me, they are going to get him. I feel this is false advertising and I'm losing business.
You can not sue for false advertising. That is a claim to be brought by the attorney general's office. Is the competitor paying to list his phone number under your business name? Is there also a listing under your business name with the correct phone number? How does your competitor answer the phone? You may be able to sue your competitor for misappropriation of your business name. Consult a local attorney.
