Why "Capsule Corp" Might Not Be the Best Name for Your Gachapon Business

 

So, you’re thinking of diving into the world of Gachapon—those awesome vending machines that drop all kinds of collectible goodies. Cool idea! But let’s talk about one potential hiccup in your naming process: calling your business “Capsule Corp.”

I cannot tell you how many times I'm told "you should call it Capsule Corp!" Now, I get it. “Capsule Corp” sounds snazzy. It has a simple, clean and futuristic ring to it, and it's reminiscent of a certain beloved anime series, Dragon Ball. Now 5 series in, with more on the way and an ever-growing library of movies it might sound like a great idea to tie your name to this world wide hit. But before you settle on this name, let’s unpack a few reasons why it might not be your best choice.

Trademark Troubles

First and foremost, “Capsule Corp” is closely associated with the Dragon Ball franchise. The name belongs to a well-known fictional company in the series, and using it could potentially lead to trademark issues. Even if you're not directly trying to profit from the name, trademark holders are often protective of their intellectual property. Funimation is very protective in America, and holds a lot of sway at events. The last thing you want to do is spend all that time and money to get kicked out.
Let's also keep in mind, Akira Toriyama and his closest coworkers set up a studio before his passing. They called it Capsule Corp TOKYO, so not even the creators of Dragon Ball used the name exactly. Similarly in America, Capsule Corp is trademarked to a medical company. Who knows how they'll take to it, but medical industries have deep enough pockets to make your life miserable.

Originality Counts

When starting a Gachapon business, standing out is key. While “Capsule Corp” is catchy, it’s also a bit too familiar. People will associate you with and expect you are a Dragon Ball company. You'll get customers who want Dragon Ball, and will empty any Dragon Ball machines you have while the rest sit ignored because non-Dragon Ball fans won't come by. Your goal is to create a brand that's uniquely yours. A distinctive name helps build your own identity and sets you apart from the crowd.

Customer Confusion

Even if you’re not aiming to rip off the Dragon Ball name, some customers might draw associations. If your business is linked to a well-known fictional brand, it could create confusion. People might wonder if there's a connection or if you’re somehow affiliated with the anime, which could muddle your brand's message. This is when one of the many companies actually linked to Dragon Ball would come after you.

Creative Alternatives

Why not have a bit of fun with the naming process? You could play with terms related to Gachapon, collectibles, or even create something entirely new. Think about what makes your business unique and how you want to be remembered. The more personal and inventive your name, the more it will resonate with customers.

"Corp" has legal meaning.

In the US you are not allowed to have Corp, or Corporation in your business without actually being a legally registered corporation. This is more then a simple business license or DBA. To become a corporation is a lot of money upfront, a lot of paperwork, finding an unpaid board of directors and hiring a lawyer. That hurdle alone will turn away just about any small business.

 While “Capsule Corp” might seem like a tempting choice for a Gachapon business, it’s worth considering the potential legal issues, the importance of originality, and the risk of customer confusion. Take some time to brainstorm and find a name that truly reflects you, your vision and sets you on the path to success. 

 

Happy naming!