At what point do you need to get something Trademarked? Can I call my company, Incorporated (at the end)?
2007-03-09 10:15:33 · 4 answers · asked by Rachel T. 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
How about "Company" after the name? Thanks!
2007-03-09 10:24:40 · update #1
What exactly does it mean to get something trademarked? Thx
2007-03-09 10:25:35 · update #2
You can get creative with the name. Pick your last name, your first name, your kid's name, a favorite uncle's name or the name of what the business does, even in another language (I live in Texas and see a lot of businesses with Spanish names that, when translated, describe what it does or who owns it).
As for legalities, contact an attorney. Legally, to do business as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or in some other business form, you need to register with your state's Secretary of State, pay a fee, get a federal tax ID number, and (it would be prudent to) open a separate bank account so that you don't co-mingle your personal money with the businesses' money (this would create a nightmare for your tax man).
2007-03-09 10:26:42 · answer #1 · answered by lmnop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can pretty much call your company anything you want, especially a small business, so long as it's not stepping on some other business' "toes". You can't calll your small salon in a Wal Mart mini mall, the WalMart salon.
In order to put "Inc." or "LLC" next to the name, you have to file the proper paperwork with your state. Consult a CPA to find out more about tax liabilities, etc. and if you are a company of 5 or more employees you should probably have a lawyer on retainer.
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2007-03-09 18:23:13 · answer #2 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you cannot freely call yourself a Corporation of any kind without filing the proper paperwork with your state, which can run into the several hundreds, depending on your state. It is illegal to call yourself XYZ, Inc. if you have not filed incorporation papers and paid all fees, which include getting a business license in your city as well as obtaining an Employee Tax ID from the IRS if you plan on hiring people.
2007-03-09 18:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by peersignal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can use inc. if you are incorporated. If not, you need to publish a 'Doing Business As' ad,
2007-03-09 18:20:06 · answer #4 · answered by The Rabbi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋