Alliant Credit Union Duplicated!

chrisoffice | Dec 18, 2018 | 21 posts since 2018

Funny,

I believe this is the Alliant CU that people are normally talking about, https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/.

But I just found another Alliant CU, http://www.alliantcu.com/

I initially thought this was a scam website, but upon carefully examine the website, it seems to be a legitimate entity with several branches.

How can two banks using the exact same name? As long as they are not residing in the same state? But what if the two later decide to open branches in the same state?

Anyone?

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Answers

Sylvia | Dec 18, 2018 | 389 posts since 2012

According to their web sites, both started in the 1930’s, the smaller Alliant in 1933, the better known ("behemoth") Alliant in 1935, the latter originally named "United Airlines Employees’ Credit Union." It’s very possible the smaller Alliant had first claim to the name, and is now benefiting from any confusion that may exists.

Bozo | Dec 18, 2018 | 1,375 posts since 2011

Interesting find. The "alliantcu" outfit seems to be a fairly local Iowa credit union. Seems legit, but I would agree the possibility of confusion might arise. I suspect the "behemoth" (the Chicago-based credit union) and the Iowa CU have decided it's not worth fighting over the name.

chrisoffice | Dec 18, 2018 | 21 posts since 2018

I am wondering why there is not a 2nd BOA or a 2nd Chase, do them have to trademark their name to prevent another entity from using it? Which agency regulates the business name, at state and federal level?

Bozo | Dec 19, 2018 | 1,375 posts since 2011

chrisoffice, trademark or service mark protection is generally a civil matter. Think McDonald's. The fundamental issue is consumer confusion. If a hamburger chain opens in Taiwan with the name "MaDonald", I can assure you McDonald's would be over them like yesterday. It's not really a matter for the government, state or federal. If, for example, the folks in Iowa and the folks in Chicago decide to let each use the name "Alliant", well, that's that.

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