Would it be illegal to name an indie game company the same thing as a company that works in a completely different field, other than game development?
depends on country and if the registered and protected it
Legally you should be able do this with no problem, but be warned if the name you are going to use is close or similar to a strong company the less likleyhood you will keep that name for long due to name recognition, naming your company should not be taken lightly and you should always think outside the box and even make up your own words and give them meaning!
Cloudstud1um, is not a word as of yet but over time we will make it one just some thoughts, and good luck!
This is the company that has the same name that I would like to rename my studio’s to.
Not sure how to tell if it’s possible to use the same name safely.
You should consult an attorney about something this important. One who deals with business startups, and particularly trademarks. A trademark is only valid within a “trade”, so something like this should not be an issue. But that is what Apple thought when they named their company, and Apple Records sued them again and again. But this advice is worth as much as you paid for it. See your lawyer for real advice.
the name is taken, you will need an online presence,
I would say you shouldn’t try to take that name. Apple records sued Apple computers over the word “Apple” a while back and they’re in completely different fields. Try coming up with a new name.
It wasn’t an issue until they were in the same field (namely, music).
…When they entered the music business.
You can’t “take” a name exclusively.
A different field should be OK, but yes, consult a trademark lawyer, not random internet weirdos. 
–Eric
fixed
I was, it should be obvious, including myself in that.
–Eric
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. They were sued multiple times, even when they weren’t in the same field.
Why on earth would you want to get your game studio potentially confused with another company?
It’s in your best interest to make sure you have a unique name so people can identify you and easily find you and your work. Having similar names to any other company could greatly impact your ability to market yourself easily and effectively. Consumers do not want to have to remember subtle differences between two closely related and similarly named companies and will most likely get them confused more often than not. You want to be memorable and unique, not cookie cutter or get accused of riding someone elses popularity train. Sure people searching for that brand of Kayak would find your game, but do you want your customers and fans finding Kayaks instead of your games? Do you know how frustrating that would be for consumers to search the web for updates on your latest games and only find Kayaks?! That has happened to me (with non game related searches) and it can really turn away consumers. If consumers can’t easily access what they want, they will stop looking for it or lose interest in what they were looking for.
Also, do you really want to have the potential for legal complications from the start?
Do it and keep us informed.
Are you just renaming to liquid logic?
It seems to me if they sell kayaks and you’re not in the business of selling kayaks or anything remotely boating related then you should be okay?
What would you suggest if you’re interested in a name a cracker group owns already? :O)
I would recommend not to take a name you know is already in use in any field. It’s not THAT hard to come with an original name. Flat Soda Software. Wet Plunger Games (sometimes I wish I had picked THAT…, ridicule names seem to leave a cool impression in the gaming field these days…)
The issues with taking the name of an existing company is that should it be already trademarket, and should the company find out about you, and should they even THINK there may be an issue, they are required to take legal action or risk losing their trademark. Them losing the case wont invalidate their trademark, but not pursuing action can do so. Add to it that lawyers really just want the litigation (as thats how they make the money) and they WILL go after you once they talk to their lawyers.
Unless you have the capital to fend a case in court, it may be better to play it safe and just go as original as you can.
This is just silly. “Liquid Logic” isn’t a name like “Dell” or “Youtube” is… and the chances that you or “Liquid Logic Kayaks” will ever become large enough to compete in the same space is 1 in a billion. Stop worrying about this sort of stuff and just concentrate on making something.
Oooh, I like this game.
Clownshoes Interactive.
Hey, did you make Misu Misu Kaboom? You were in Jared’s kitty corner!
Kitty Litter Entertainment
Cheesy Nacho Games
… we should start a thread with crazy company names limited to 3 words games top where one of the words is Interactive/Software/Games/Entertainment/Etc…
Yes, that was me. 
Unfortunately that Podcast has been all the press I managed to get. Hopefully my “free” version will be approved by Saturday and boost my sales. cross fingers
I’d be careful and do research before renaming like that . . . I’m trying to create a name myself, and it’s very challenging indeed to come up with something not too cliched, stupid, or taken by someone else. 
Good luck, though.