Joshua Julien Brouard
17 October 2024 • 7 min read
Starting a business involves more than just a great idea and a solid plan—it also means establishing a unique identity through your business name.
But did you know securing this name is more than just picking one that sounds catchy?
Whether you're a new entrepreneur or rebranding an existing venture, understanding the legal requirements for registering your business name is crucial.
In this guide, I'll:
Plus, I'll cover what to do if you decide to change your business name down the road.
But first, an important question:
Whether you're legally required to register your business name depends on the type of business you're operating and the jurisdiction in which you're based.
Generally, you may not need to register if you're running a sole proprietorship under your own name.
However, if you're using a name that's different from your own (known as a "Doing Business As" or DBA name), or if you operate a partnership, LLC, or corporation, you'll likely need to register your business name with the appropriate state or local authorities.
Registering your business name not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also protects your brand from being used by others.
It can also be essential for establishing your business identity with:
For a tailored approach to protecting your business name, Trademarkia can guide you through the registration process, ensuring your brand is secured and compliant.
To select the right business entity, consider the following factors:
So, how do you set up a business bank account? Follow these simple steps:
Registering and protecting your business name is vital to building a solid brand presence.
Here's how you can get started and get on the business register:
Registering your business name internationally can help you expand your brand's reach and protect it across multiple markets.
Here's a step-by-step guide to navigating the international registration process:
If you want to change your business name, here are the key steps you should follow:
Protecting your business name is critical in establishing and safeguarding your brand identity.
Whether you're registering locally, nationally, or internationally, each step helps secure your business from potential infringements and enhances your brand's credibility.
Trademarkia makes this process straightforward, guiding you through every phase, from initial searches to comprehensive registration and ongoing protection.
By partnering with Trademarkia, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of legal compliance and brand protection.
Trust Trademarkia to be your ally in securing your business name and ensuring your brand's strength in the marketplace.
The cost to register a business name in the US varies by state and type of business entity. Generally, filing fees range from $50 to $150, but additional costs may include trademark registration or other related expenses.
Business names cannot be copyrighted, but you can protect them through trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To register, you must file an application, pay the associated fees, and ensure the name is unique and not already in use.
You can search your state's business name database or the USPTO's trademark database to check if a business name is available. It's also a good idea to check domain name availability and do a general online search to ensure the name isn't already in use.
To create a business name, brainstorm ideas reflecting your brand, mission, and target audience. Use tools like name generators, check for domain availability, and ensure the name is easy to spell, pronounce, and memorable. Lastly, verify its uniqueness by conducting name searches.
Two businesses can have the same name if they operate in different industries or geographical locations, but trademark law protects names within specific categories. If a name is trademarked, other businesses in the same field cannot use it without risking infringement.
AUTHOR
Joshua J. Brouard has a diverse background. He has studied bachelor of commerce with a major in law, completed SEO and digital marketing certifications, and has years of experience in content marketing. Skilled in a wide range of topics, he's a versatile and knowledgeable writer.
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