Register a Business Name?

[grasscutter]

How do you go about getting your business name set up so that someone doesn't steal it? I imagine it's similar to a product patent.

 

[Panda87]

How do you go about getting your business name set up so that someone doesn't steal it? I imagine it's similar to a product patent.

Depends on the state. In Alabama, you can register your business name as a trademark with the Alabama Secretary of State. You’ll have to look up state level protections for your business name in your state, but it’s likely similar. Had to do it with mine because some clown here took my business name as a DBA.

 

[grasscutter]

Depends on the state. In Alabama, you can register your business name as a trademark with the Alabama SBA. You’ll have to look up state level protections for your business name in your state, but it’s likely similar. Had to do it with mine because some clown here took my business name as a DBA.

How much does it cost?

 

[Panda87]

How much does it cost?

It was entirely free!

 

[andrew_j]

How do you go about getting your business name set up so that someone doesn't steal it? I imagine it's similar to a product patent.

There is typically a corporate registration in your state government. Simple website and form . Not even close to patent.

 

[Panda87]

It’s been a minute, but I looked back through my records. It wasn’t with the SBA but the Alabama Secretary of State. I’ve edited my original post to clarify.

 

[grasscutter]

It was entirely free!

I live in a communist state so I imagine they want large sums of money. Can the registration be done online?

 

[Panda87]

I live in a communist state so I imagine they want large sums of money. Can the registration be done online?

That’s how I did mine. When I was stationed in VA, I called it “The communistwealth”. Bureaucracy to keep the bureaucracy going.

 

[y_p_w]

I tried to help my dad once with a club he worked with. Most states call it a "fictitious business name" and such names can be registered with the state to help protect the name. It might also be possible to register a trademark with the state or USPTO.

 

[Hall]

How do you go about getting your business name set up so that someone doesn't steal it? I imagine it's similar to a product patent.

If you don't say what state you're in, no one can help you. You could also just Google "how do I register a business name in (insert your state here)".

 

[grasscutter]

If you don't say what state you're in, no one can help you. You could also just Google "how do I register a business name in (insert your state here)".

I just now ran a Google search and it says if I want to be a limited liability company in my state, I must pay a tax of $800 per year.

Is there any way to register a business name without having to be an LLC?

 

[CleanSump]

You can get a trademark registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
https://www.uspto.gov/
How to register in your state depends on the state.
We don't know your state.

 

[Panda87]

I just now ran a Google search and it says if I want to be a limited liability company in my state, I must pay a tax of $800 per year.

Is there any way to register a business name without having to be an LLC?

Are you an incorporated legal business?

 

[Astro14]

I just now ran a Google search and it says if I want to be a limited liability company in my state, I must pay a tax of $800 per year.

Is there any way to register a business name without having to be an LLC?

Again, hard to know without knowing what your state is, but you can be a sole proprietorship and register (on line) with the state of Virginia for $10.

You don’t need to be an LLC.

However, the city of Virginia Beach does require that you register as a business, again, easily done on line, and of course, there are property taxes on your business property.

 

[Panda87]

Again, hard to know without knowing what your state is, but you can be a sole proprietorship and register with the state of Virginia for $10.

You don’t need to be an LLC.

However, the city of Virginia Beach does require that you register as a business, and of course, there are property taxes on your business property.

VA Beach was the only part of Hampton Roads I miss. I lived just off VA Beach Blvd. Spent what little time the Navy allowed me off skimboarding the surf and eating at Planet Pizza lol.

 

[grasscutter]

Are you an incorporated legal business?

I don't think so. I know one thing for sure, I'm not paying $800 per year to the state on top of the property taxes I already have to pay.

 

[2005jettatdi]

In most states, maybe all, you need to register if doing business under a fictitious name. Usually $10. This is a must do since often you cannot sue, for example to collect on a bill, if you have not registered your trade name. I saw a case in Cowlitz County Superior Court in Washington where a collection suit was dismissed because the business that did the work never registered their trade name. The attorney for the collection agency left the court room is shock. She was not very bright.

 

[Panda87]

I don't think so. I know one thing for sure, I'm not paying $800 per year to the state on top of the property taxes I already have to pay.

As someone else posted, you may be able to incorporate as a Sole Proprietorship and avoid the fee, but you’ll have to research that. A sole proprietorship has inherent pros and cons. Pros: Pretty easy to establish and get up and running and others. Cons: You and the business finances are almost inextricably linked. The use of a separate business banking account can reduce this, but if someone decides to sue your business, it’s very likely they will be able to also sue you personally (and your personal banking account and assets) as a result.

 

[Hall]

Are you an incorporated legal business?

I don't think so.

Not sure how you think anyone can offer you much more help or advice.

 

[Pablo]

It's easy. Small fee in WA state. But if you go LLC or above you need an annual report, but that's easy too.

The communist part here is B&O tax which is income tax for businesses.