I am hoping someone can help me. I live in the state of Pennsylvania and I made the big mistake of assuming a name that I wanted for my new business was available. I looked the name up on the internet and no music school businesses in the area came back with the name. So I thought great! I printed business cards and flyers, and marketing material. I later found out about having to register your business name, when I tried to the name was taken, even though our businesses are different, I still cannot use the name. The only reason I'm not crying is because I got most of the marketing material either free or really cheap. So now I have come up with a new name, this time I cleared it with the state and looked on "Network Solutions" to see if the domain name was available, and I can use the name. Now I'm faced with the dilemma, should I just pay for the fictitious name registration or get exclusive right to the name by incorporating? My business is teaching music class for young children and their families. I'm just getting started and trying to fill classes. What would be the best approach? I thank you in advance for your help.....
Depending on the use of the name will determine how "solid" you need to go in
protecting the name. in the case described here, it may only be used once for
the music company name and not need wide geographical protection unless you
are going on the web and doing international selling. In My case, I needed a
trademark not only for the company but also for some product names we came up
with. We decided to use the multiple (continous) application where you can
add TM as required paying a lower fee for each. Otherwise go for the one
name, register it online with the PTO for
$327 and live happy and protected when it is approved and published in the
gazette. Good Luck
I agree with BizResearcher, an LLC is simpler to do. With a fictitious name
you will need to post in a newspaper and then post on the front of your
business. Just set up an llc for $200.00
kmurray | Community Moderator |
3/20/2012 - 8:16 am
Hi,
If you're still looking for some specific information, one approach that may be useful is talking to a mentor who could offer you specific guidance.
Visit SBA Direct to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code.
Due Diligence | Window Shopper |
5/23/2012 - 11:20 pm
Show Replied Text…
Hi,
If you're still looking for some specific information, one approach that may be useful is talking to a mentor who could offer you specific guidance.
Visit SBA Direct to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code.
FYI every one of your postings has garbled text and symbols - not sure if it
is my browser but it is only your comments.
D E Kohler
Blackburn & Fears Inc
Due Diligence Services
813-886-1010
I feel your pain and I wish I had know you prior to you going through all of this hassle. Read the following two articles in order that I wrote for Mashable and reach out to me if you would like my assistance or have any further questions. I think the two articles that I provide you with here will really shed light on what you need to do because even if you incorporate under the name, that will only prevent others from using the same name in your state of incorporation; it will not prevent them from using the name in other counties or jurisdictions…if you want to prevent others from using your name, you need to consider trademark protection which is highlighted within the articles:
Article 1: http://mashable.com/2012/01/16/business-name-how-to/
Article 2: http://mashable.com/2012/01/23/register-business-name/
I hope that helps!
-Nellie Akalp
Nellie, Please read the forum rules. You cannot promote your business or your articles in your posts as you are doing. Your posts look like you are spamming the forums to promote yourself.
Lahatte - many states do not allow LLCs and corporations to have the same name as an already registered corporation or LLC. Only a sole proprietorship can have a name similar to that of another business.
Nympho's | Window Shopper | 5/31/2012 - 2:20 pm
helen cange | Window Shopper | 5/28/2012 - 4:28 pm
Actionwriter | Window Shopper | 5/24/2012 - 6:42 pm
protecting the name. in the case described here, it may only be used once for
the music company name and not need wide geographical protection unless you
are going on the web and doing international selling. In My case, I needed a
trademark not only for the company but also for some product names we came up
with. We decided to use the multiple (continous) application where you can
add TM as required paying a lower fee for each. Otherwise go for the one
name, register it online with the PTO for
$327 and live happy and protected when it is approved and published in the
gazette. Good Luck
keithgilabert | Window Shopper | 5/24/2012 - 6:15 pm
you will need to post in a newspaper and then post on the front of your
business. Just set up an llc for $200.00
Take care,
Keith Gilabert
kmurray | Community Moderator | 3/20/2012 - 8:16 am
Due Diligence | Window Shopper | 5/23/2012 - 11:20 pm
is my browser but it is only your comments.
kmurray | Community Moderator | 5/24/2012 - 7:33 am
nellieakalp | Window Shopper | 3/13/2012 - 6:47 pm
BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 3/14/2012 - 12:03 pm
BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 3/13/2012 - 1:39 pm
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