The Letter That Started It All

Picture this: you’re a small business owner, minding your own HVAC empire, when you decide to dip your toes into auto parts. You grab a domain—partstowncanada.ca—because it’s catchy, generic, and screams “parts in a Canadian town.” You throw up a “Coming Soon” page with some placeholders, maybe a logo you sketched in a hurry, and go back to shipping thermostats. Then, bam! A cease-and-desist letter from a U.S. corporate giant lands in your inbox, accusing you of stealing their brand. That’s my life right now, and let me tell you, it’s a hoot—but not the fun kind. Welcome to round three of Parts Town Canada’s trademark showdown with Parts Town LLC.

Unpacking Their Claims—And Why They’re Shaky

If you read our previous trademark showdown post, you know the saga kicked off on January 14, 2025, when Parts Town LLC sent me a legal nastygram demanding I hand over partstowncanada.ca. My site wasn’t even live—no products, no checkout, just a digital “under construction” sign. I played nice: ditched a temporary logo they claimed looked like theirs, scrapped their color scheme (apparently, blue and white is their trademark too?), and slapped a disclaimer louder than a Leafs game: “Not affiliated with Parts Town LLC.” Did they chill? Nope. They came back with more threats, claiming I’m “confusing customers” and acting in “bad faith.” I’ve been slinging HVAC parts for 12 years on OEMHVACPartsCanada.ca—longer than they’ve been eyeing Canada’s market. If anyone’s confused, it’s their legal team.

“Parts Town” Through History: Not Theirs to Claim

Here’s the deal: “Parts Town” isn’t some sacred brand they invented. It’s as generic as “Pizza Place” or “Car Corner.” Back in 1912, Jackson, Michigan, was dubbed “The Auto Parts Town” in local ads. By 1952, Midwest parts markets were calling themselves “Big Auto Parts Town.” In 1985, small garages used “Parts Town” on flyers. It’s a legacy term, not a trademarked fortress. Parts Town LLC deals in restaurant parts; I’m in HVAC and auto parts. Different industries, different customers, different vibe. Their trademark doesn’t give them a monopoly on two common words, especially not in Canada. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) says trademarks should distinguish brands, not let big players bully small ones into submission. Check out CIPO’s trademark basics if you want the legal lowdown.

Their Next Move: CIRA or Bust?

So, how’s a one-man HVAC show taking on a corporate Goliath? First, I’m documenting every step of this circus right here. Transparency is my superpower—let the world see their tactics. Second, I’m keeping my disclaimer front and center: “Parts Town Canada ≠ Parts Town LLC.” Third, I’m prepping for whatever they throw next, whether it’s a CIRA complaint or a courtroom showdown. Under CIRA rules, they’d need to prove I registered partstowncanada.ca in bad faith—like I’m out to scam their customers. Good luck with that. I picked the domain because it fits my legit auto parts venture, not to play cybersquatter. My 12-year track record at OEMHVACPartsCanada.ca backs me up.

The Bigger Picture: A Wake-Up Call

This is corporate bullying with a side of legal jargon. They’re not protecting their brand—they’re trying to snatch my domain because I got it first. It’s a classic move: send a scary letter, hope the little guy panics, and scoop up the prize. Small businesses like mine don’t always have the cash to fight back, and they know it. Their cease-and-desist screams SLAPP—Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation—a fancy term for using legal threats to silence you. They haven’t sued yet (probably because their case is flimsier than a dollar-store wrench), but the pressure’s on. They want me to fold, but I’m not most owners. I’m the guy who’s been keeping Canadian homes warm since 2013, and I’ve got a stubborn streak wider than the Trans-Canada Highway.

How I’m Fighting Back—With a Grin

Okay, I’ll admit it: there’s a twisted humor in this. They’re losing their minds over a “Coming Soon” page while I’m out here juggling HVAC orders and dreaming up auto parts glory. Their letters read like a bad action movie script—“Cease! Desist! Or else!”—but I’m not scared. I’m cracking up at their desperation. Who gets this worked up over a domain unless they know their case is weak? It’s like they’re shouting, “We’re big, you’re small, give up!” Sorry, folks, I’m too busy laughing and building my business to care.

I’m not alone, either. I’ve got Pro Bono Ontario on speed dial for legal advice, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is cheering from the sidelines. Small business owners across Canada are fed up with this nonsense, and I’m hearing their stories—bakeries, shops, and startups all facing similar threats. If you’ve got a tale of corporate overreach, share it with us (#share-your-story). Let’s build a community that fights back.

What’s Next?

This showdown’s far from over. Parts Town LLC might escalate to CIRA or court, but I’m ready. Win or lose, I’m turning this into a movement. Small Business Movement Against Corporate Bullying will dive into how we’re rallying small businesses and exposing corporate bullying for what it is. Spoiler: it’s not just about one domain—it’s about a system that lets giants steamroll the little guy. Stay tuned, and keep fighting the good fight.

This fight isn’t just about me—it’s about every Canadian entrepreneur trying to grow without getting crushed. If Parts Town LLC can come after my domain, what’s stopping other giants from targeting your bakery, gym, or Etsy shop? We need fairer laws that protect small businesses, not ones that let deep pockets win by default. Here’s how you can help:

• Share this post on X or wherever you hang out online. Spread the word with #ShareYourStory.
• Write to your MP about strengthening small business protections under the Trademarks Act.
• Visit OEMHVACPartsCanada.ca for updates and to support a small biz sticking it to the man.
• Got a story? Drop it in our Share Your Story (#share-your-story) section. Let’s show these corporations we’re not alone.

Facing a trademark threat? Check out Canada’s small business protection page for resources.

Want to share your own story or learn more about our trademark fight? Contact Us