Choosing a Catchy Brand or Business Name
Step 5: Make the Name Legal
Once you have made a decision on choosing the right business name, it's time to make it legal. Depending on what type of company that you have, will determine what steps you must take to make the name legal.
Here are some tips, when it comes to legalizing your new business name:
- Check the availability of the business name
-Check the Internet and naming databases. The first place to check on the availability of your selected business name is through your state's Secretary of State's office.
- Incorporate or register your business name
-Follow your state laws, in order to incorporate and register your business name, or if you decide not to incorporate, obtain a Doing Business As (DBA).
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number
-Generally, most businesses need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. It's used to identify a business entity, and the easiest way to get one is to apply-for free-with the IRS.
- Obtain trademark if needed-
Federal Trademarks are not mandatory, but depending on what services and products your business creates, you may want trademark protection. Trademarks can be obtained through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), www.uspto.gov
- Consult with an attorney if necessary-
Always consult with legal counsel, before you register, incorporate or create company names to DBA.
