If the old Compund Coin owner registered the name under Trade Mark Law then they can file a case against someone who uses it for their own benefit. If not then there is nothing they can do and if this new one registered it then the old one will be forced to change their name. It cannot be an intellectual property if it is not registered under the said law.
You are correct and since this is a free market where anyone can easily copy out your own projects utility idea or some sort and if this one doesnt connect with any legal aspect then theres nothing they would able to do.
It doesnt mean that they would be forced to change their name since people will eventually find out on which one whom they do should support.
If the said two is just the same then people or investors would find their own path or way on verifying on where they should go.
