Podcast Summary: The Foundr Podcast with Nathan Chan
Episode 576: (Solo) This One Trademark Mistake Nearly Killed My Business - Here's What I Learnt
Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 576 of The Foundr Podcast, host Nathan Chan shares a deeply personal and pivotal moment from his entrepreneurial journey—the time when a trademark mistake nearly led to the downfall of his business. This solo episode, part of a new "Founder to Founder" series, delves into the challenges Nathan faced, the decisions he made, and the invaluable lessons he learned, aiming to guide and inspire fellow entrepreneurs navigating similar hurdles.

The Trademark Challenge

Nathan begins by recounting the early days of his business, originally named "Key to Success Magazine." A few months into launching, he received alarming news that would shake his fledgling enterprise:

"I never forget I got this FedEx package in the mail serving me saying I was to appear in Dallas, Texas. I can't remember exactly when it was, but it was a few months from when I received the package."
— Nathan Chan [01:42]

Simultaneously, an email from a lawyer informed him of a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement. As a first-time entrepreneur with limited resources, Nathan grappled with fear and uncertainty, contemplating the very existence of his business.

"I remember feeling just so terrified, so worried. You know, this is my first business, guys. I was like, what? Like I'm going to go bankrupt."
— Nathan Chan [01:42]

Decision to Pivot

Facing the lawsuit, Nathan had two primary options: fight to protect the original business name or pivot and rebrand. After seeking advice from a mentor, he opted for the latter, deciding to rename his business to "Founder."

"I actually got advice from somebody, a friend of a friend, and I chose to pivot, and I changed the name to Founder. And it was really just a blessing in disguise because it is a far better name."
— Nathan Chan [01:42]

This decision not only averted potential bankruptcy but also set the foundation for a more robust and recognizable brand in the entrepreneurial space.

Benefits of Rebranding

Renaming the business to Founder proved to be a strategic masterstroke. The new name resonated deeply within the entrepreneurial community, becoming synonymous with growth and education.

"Founder, it's, like, synonymous amongst entrepreneurship. And the reason that I took out the E is because I never wanted to be sued again."
— Nathan Chan [01:42]

By altering the spelling to "Founder" without the "e," Nathan ensured uniqueness and avoided future trademark conflicts, establishing a distinct identity in the market.

Key Lessons Learned

Nathan distills his experience into several critical lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Trust Your Instincts

   "If it feels like, okay, maybe I'm pushing it, don't push it." [02:45]

   When uncertain about a business decision or name, it's essential to heed those gut feelings to avoid potential pitfalls.

2. Conduct Thorough Trademark Research

   "Whenever you're starting your brand, go through, look up and see if a trademark is available." [04:10]

   Ensuring that your chosen name isn't already trademarked can save considerable time, resources, and stress.

3. Protect Your Brand Early

   "Once your brand does have traction, make sure you trademark, right? Make sure you set up the right protection." [05:20]

   As your business grows, securing your brand's intellectual property is crucial to prevent legal challenges.

4. Choose a Unique and Memorable Name

   Nathan emphasizes the importance of selecting a name that is not only unique but also memorable and reflective of the brand's values.

   "I like one word. You look at incredible companies or the best brands out there, like Nike, like Apple, they're all one word." [06:15]

5. Build Your Brand with Consistency and Values

   "Your name is your brand. And really the way you build an incredible brand is how you make people feel by consistently showing up, consistently having clear, strong values." [07:05]

   A brand's strength lies in its consistent delivery of value and the emotional connection it builds with its audience.

6. Embrace and Learn from Mistakes

   "If you have to change your name, if you have to change your brand, it's okay. That's what business is all about. You have to be prepared to pivot and you make mistakes and I've made plenty." [09:30]

   Mistakes are inevitable in business, but each presents an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Conclusion

Nathan Chan's candid recounting of his trademark mistake serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship. His ability to pivot, coupled with the lessons learned, not only salvaged his business but also paved the way for its subsequent success. Aspiring entrepreneurs can take solace and inspiration from Nathan's experience, understanding that challenges are merely stepping stones toward building a resilient and impactful brand.

"What happened to me was an amazing thing. I am so grateful that I got sued. In the first four months of business, I learned some really hard lessons."
— Nathan Chan [09:30]

Nathan concludes with an encouraging message, urging entrepreneurs to view setbacks as opportunities and to remain adaptable in their business endeavors.

Additional Resources

While this episode focuses on Nathan's trademark experience, listeners interested in further entrepreneurial insights and support are encouraged to engage with Foundr's community and resources:

• Join the Founder Community: Access proven strategies and fast-track your business growth at foundr.com/foundrplustrial
• Start Your E-commerce Store Summit: A free, three-day event covering essential aspects of building an e-commerce brand. Sign up at founder.com forward/summit

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