how do you go about applying for a business name?

Question

Want to start own business, how do get started?

Answer 1

do you want to incorporate?

if not, then you want to set up a sole proprietership. This is free, just go down to the courthouse to get more info regarding how to register in your state.

Answer 2

You've got a couple questions here; let's tackle them one at a time:

Protecting a Business Name:
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.

Starting a Business:
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

You don't need to "apply" for a business name. Usually, you simply publish a fictitious business name statement in a local newspaper (but even that is not required). Sometimes (usually, if you want to incorporate your business) you need to check if the name you chose is still available. This is something you do through your state's Secretary of State. Some states have put their name databases online, so you can check name availability yourself.

Answer 4

Decide on a name and then you are required to put it in your local newspaper. It will run for two to three weeks stating that you are wanting to start up a business for ------- with the name of-------. That way if there are any other businesses by that name they have a chance to object.

Answer 5

Go to a small local newspaper and ask about "fictitious name"
listing.

Answer 6

check your state or city website. they always have links to applications and info for the requirements in your area