what are the requirements in applying for a business name?

Answer 1

The availability of the name in the state first and foremost. In San Francisco, you are required to search first if your name if available http://services.sfgov.org/bns/start.asp though they warn businesses to check if the name is trademarked or not. Then you fill up the form.

The requirements vary by state and county. Some will require legal notice that needs to be published such as Cook County in Illinois http://www.cookctyclerk.com/sub/bus_name_how.asp?VR=2 . Some counties sucha s DuPage County in Illinois will give you the option of applying in person or mailing the application form http://www.dupageco.org/countyclerk/generic.cfm?doc_id=634

Some states allow you to check business name availability and provide information on how you can register your business name. Some examples of states include

North Carolina http://www.nccommerce.com/servicenter/blio/startup/nameinfo.asp
Utah - Business Name Availability https://secure.utah.gov/bna/bna

Answer 2

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.

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.

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.

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

Answer 3

It varies from State to State and maybe even County within the State.

The lowest level of "business name" is a "fictional name". Usually you have to take out an ad in a "suitable newspaper" and run it for some minimum period of time that "Mr. & Mrs. X are doing business as Company Y".

I'm sure you can get precise information for your location by calling any nearby Chamber of Commerce or visiting them.

Answer 4

You first must check that the name is not trademarked through the trademark office website. You then go to your local county clerk or equivalent and file a ficticious name request and pay the nominal fee. You then must place a ficticious name ad in a local newspaper and let it run for a specific amount of time, I beleive it is four weeks. When you file they should have a list of newspapers that qualify. Proof of the ad is then sent in and then you are done.