How do you reserve a name for your business?

Question

I want to trademark (I don't know if that's the right legal term) a name for a business so that it's my brand name and no one else can use it. How is this done? Do I really need a laywer? Is there a website that describes the process?

For the record, I am located in San Francisco, California if that helps.

Answer 1

Yes, that's the correct term. 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.

To register a trademark, that's done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.

If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

Prior to investing your time, money & effort into a name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available.

This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.

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

Answer 2

Apply for a fictitious name in the paper?

Answer 3

Contact your state's secretary of state.

Answer 4

in india you register with registrar of Companies