Can a business trademark a name even though the company name is a last name?
610325
Definitely talk to a lawyer about this.....it seems to me that you could protect your company name somehow by perhaps applying for a copyright or a trademark with the legal language stating that you only intend to enforce the C/TM for business purposes.
468309
You should only use Inc or LLC if, in fact, you are a Corporation or an LLC.  You could register "ABC Industries" as a business name with your city or county clerk's office. Without any other special filings, you'd be considered a sole proprieter doing business as (DBA) ABC Industries. (As long as your name did not conflict with a trademark or corporation name.)
315301
Trademark can be used without permission because there is no way of telling who established it first. A registered trademark is for use solely by the person or group or company. If you were to use Nike and the Nike check, you could be brought up on federal charges for infringement.
45247
Do you have a name in mind for your business? 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. \n\nThis 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. \n\nThe naming of your business could be one of the most important decisions you will make. A name's originality and legal availability will create a real asset value of its own, as it becomes marketed and gains market acceptance. \n\nThe name you choose will become the focal point of all the benefits and features that relate to your product or business. Customers will be able to find and refer others to it in the future. \n\nEstablished products or businesses realize the value of customer good will. A well chosen name will provide an extra marketing advantage, that may mean the difference between failure and success. \n\nCompanies go to great lengths to trademark and protect the usage of their name.
522873
JUST ASK FOR THE COMPANY FOR USE OF TRADEMARKS
41465
It depends on many factors. Who started conducting business first? Does this other company have a State or a Federal trademark? Do you? Are you involved in the same industry? Is there a possibility that customers will be confused and assume that the 2 businesses are one and the same?\n\nAs you can see, it's almost impossible to answer emphatically questions relating to trademark issues because each situation varies from the next. If you feel you are infringing upon someone OR that someone is infringing upon you, consult a trademark attorney. It's best to present your situation to an attorney and not a general answer board. I'm happy to provide you a referral, just contact me.\n\nBest of luck to you!
989407
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. \n\nIt is not required for you to register it; however, there are several advantages per the USPTO:\n\n"You can establish rights in a mark based on legitimate use of the mark. However, owning a federal trademark registration on the Principal Register provides several advantages, e.g., \n\n• constructive notice to the public of the registrant's claim of ownership of the mark; \n• a legal presumption of the registrant's ownership of the mark and the registrant's exclusive right to use the mark nationwide on or in connection with the goods and/or services listed in the registration; \n• the ability to bring an action concerning the mark in federal court; \n• the use of the U.S registration as a basis to obtain registration in foreign countries; and \n• the ability to file the U.S. registration with the U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods."\n\nTo register a trademark, contact either your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark. \n\nIf you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
1125330
It depends on the state and type of corporation, so the answer is "maybe."\n\nMinutes are retained by the corporation and need not be filed with anyone.
1699
Whichever name you choose for your art related home business, you will want to ensure that it is legally available. This entails conducting comprehensive trademark and common-law research. If both steps are clear, you can then decide if you want to file for a State or Federal trademark. TradeMark Express is ready to assist you with these steps. \n\nFor further details and/or questions, please contact me at:\n\n800.340.2010\ndc@tmexpress.com\nwww.tmexpress.com\n\nThank you!\n\nShannon Moore
30817
The naming of your business could be one of the most important decisions you will make. A name's originality and legal availability will create a real asset value of its own, as it becomes marketed and gains market acceptance. \n\nThe name you choose will become the focal point of all the benefits and features that relate to your product or business. Customers will be able to find and refer others to it in the future. \n\nEstablished products or businesses realize the value of customer good will. A well chosen name will provide an extra marketing advantage, that may mean the difference between failure and success. \n\nCompanies go to great lengths to trademark and protect the usage of their name.\n\nThat being said, I suggest either hiring a name creation firm or get together with your friends and throw a "name party." Bring some of your items to the party & have everyone bounce some ideas around. Compile a listing of names that you like the best. Once you have that list, do as much free research as you can before you delve into comprehensive research. I listed some links to search names in the source box.\n\nBest of luck to you!
599563
If you form an LLC or a corporation, you won't need to register a fictitious business name (at least not in California).  \nIf you don't form one of the above entities and your business name doesn't incorporate your legal name, then yes, you'll have to register a FBN.
22187
Check out the Small Business Administration web site -- they're a great resource for the small business owner. I listed a couple of other handy links as well.\n\nTry reading up on the subject -- check out Amazon, your local bookstore or library. \n\nPrior to investing your time, money & effort into a business name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available. \n\nThis 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. \n\nResearch is needed to make sure your trade name is legally available, before opening, before expansion, before incorporation or before designing your logo. Similarities in sound, appearance and meaning affect you too!\n\nThere are 16+ million trade names in use in the United States. Similar names matter, if close in sound, appearance or meaning. Similar names in related classes, distribution channels and customer matter too. You are affected by Common Law use (14 million), State Trademarks (500,000) and Federal Trademarks (2 million).
714433
I think you might find that you cant as they might already be taken by the original company. Sometimes a company will register its name in many variations so that nobody else can use it.
571555
What is the name of your company?
827421
The brand name which reaches well across the world is termed as branding across the borders...there might be companies in ur area which is familiar only in ur locality nd it has no value when u go outside it...a few companies have its branch all over the world and does good business at all the places that too without needing to change its name for any region where they establish it!! Hope u got it!!
1070561
No.  As long as you don't sell it as the brand name, it's legal.
975844
No!  Simply having a business name does NOT mean your tax structure will be any different.  Sounds like you are a sole-proprietorship?  You file a Schedule C?  If so, you will keep filing Schedule C.  Getting a fictitious name or a EIN changes nothing tax-wise.