I have thought of a name for my company, but I want to make sure no one else has it. I don't want to have to change it later on because someone had it first.
How do I go about starting a business? Like getting the company's name trademarked. If that is possible.?
To protect a business name within your industry, you would apply for a trademark.
Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.
Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.
This entails searching the pending %26amp; registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.
To register a trademark, that's done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent %26amp; Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.
If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US %26amp; any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success %26amp; happiness in all your ventures!
How do I go about starting a business? Like getting the company's name trademarked. If that is possible.?
First of all, to start a business you need to think of a business plan. The last thing you want to think about is the name of your business. Once you have your plans ready - your investment (money), location of the business (if not at-home biz), what kind of business it will be, mom%26amp;pop store, limited corporation, corporation, partnership and understand what benefits each kind of business has; so it wouldn't be a surprise in the future about liabilities, taxes, etc. - then you are ready to think of your business name. Here's a link to the US Chamberof Commerce Starting your business, http://www.uschamber.com/sb/business/P01鈥?/a> and a link to trademark search from US Patent %26amp; Trademark Office http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=se鈥?/a>
Make sure you are ready to face the first few months or years of business, you might not get any profit - just break even or you might have a loss. And don't forget your business license. You can ask your local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration, or your city hall.
GOOD LUCK on your business venture!
