Starting a small business.....?

Question

How easy is it to register for a trademark without a lawyer's help?
How do I get a business liscence? Do I need a lawyer for that too? What else would I need to get started if it is an on-line business?

Answer 1

You've got a couple of different issues here, so let's tackle them one at a time.

TRADEMARKS

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.

BUSINESS LICENSE:

Without knowing your state, it's hard to point you in the right direction but here's a comprehensive listing of where & how to get your business license:

http://www.sba.gov/hotlist/license.html -- Small Business Administration, Where to Obtain Business Licenses (a state listing)

ON-LINE 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:

* Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 4th Edition by Greg Holden
* How to Start and Maintain A Successful Online Business by Kelly Thornton
* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds

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 2

Make sure you have a business plan. This is a really help in the end. It can act as your guide and if you are going to need loans it's a way to show your investers that you have thing throughly thought out!

Also follow these steps and you'll be up and running in no time:
1. Develop a clear vision and translate it into a meaningful mission statement.
2. Assess the company's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Scan the environment for significant opprotunities and threats facing the business.
4. Identify the key factors for success in the business.
5. Analyze the competition.
6. Create company goals and objectives.
7. Formulate strategic options and select the appropriate strategies.
8. Translate strategic plans into action plans.
9. Establish accurate controls.

Answer 3

Your county will help with the business licenses and steps for getting a Tax ID. The SBA (Small Business Administration) can help with FREE advice on your questions about trademarks... that is a legal question that is best handled by professionals.

Answer 4

I will suggest you to plan an advertisement strategy for your business. Today starting a new business is not that big challenge but actual challenge is to advertise that business in a better way. Start a business which has scope in your area. Whenever someone thinks to start new business first he/she should consider area (country, state and target customers) then make a proper strategy for new business.

Answer 5

You can do everything you need on line, from lic's to ein #/ You do not need a lawyer for anything. I started my own construction/remodeling business by using the web. Each division will let you know what else you have to have
Beverly