Zero2Cool
13 years ago
If one were to start a business, how do they go about knowing if their business name is already taken? Are there websites that you can enter in a name and see f it's trademarked or registered or what not?
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Nonstopdrivel
13 years ago
Go to the website of the Secretary of State for your state. There will be a registry of corporation names, where one can check to see if that name has been registered. It is very easy.
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Wade
  • Wade
  • Veteran Member
13 years ago

Go to the website of the Secretary of State for your state. There will be a registry of corporation names, where one can check to see if that name has been registered. It is very easy.

Originally Posted by: Nonstopdrivel 



Well, usually. Some state's secretary of state websites are a pain to navigate. Iowa's, for example, is a royal pain in the ass to navigate. And Nevada's still prefers you use Internet Explorer! On the other hand, Wisconsin's was, last time I looked, quite good.

It also depends on where your business is going to be done. As far as I know, there is no national registry of names (since unless you're a bank or such, corporation/partnership/sole proprietorship law is all state law). So you'd want to run a check on any state where you'd expect to be doing business.

The exception would be if the name is trademarked. Then you'd need to go to the US Trademark Office. I don't know how that works, but my guess is there's a website.

But even if the name isn't trademarked, you want to do as Rourke said, and check out the Secretary of State site. If you do start a business, you're going to want to make a "d/b/a" filing with the Sec of State. Stands for "doing business as..."; each state calls it something more official sounding, of course. But generally its a very easy, simple form with a pretty small fee.

(I'm assuming you're talking about starting a business as a sole proprietorship, not as a corporation or limited liability company. Those obviously are a bit more complicated, though also relatively simple and not particularly expensive. (As long as you don't eff it up like I did and overpay for my Nevada sub-S company.) Depending on what kind of business you're talking about, you might want to consider something incorporated -- it can bit bit of a pain in the ass with the extra paperwork, but it can often be a really good idea to have a "separate entity" that limits your liability, etc.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Nonstopdrivel
13 years ago
Sorry for the terse reply. The wife was clamoring to go out for a bike ride.

But yes, the Wisconsin Secretary of State website is very usable, as is the site for the North Carolina Secretary of State. I have formed Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in both states, and in both states it was extremely easy (and affordable) to do. I am a big fan of the LLC. It provides a lot of the benefits and protections of incorporation without nearly as many headaches and technicalities. In most cases, unless your company is going to have a significant amount of assets, forming an LLC is the way to go. In today's litigious environment, it is almost always advisable, in my opinion, to form some sort of legal entity. It is just too dangerous to go into business as a sole proprietorship, because in the event that something goes wrong, you hold full liability for everything, meaning that angry customers, creditors, etc. can attach your personal assets (savings, car, home, etc.). Forming a legal entity provides you some measure (not perfect) of protection, making it more difficult for people to go after you personally. OBviously, if you have committed some sort of crime in the business' name, the entity will not shield you from criminal liability.

If you are concerned a name you want to use is trademarked, just do a Google search on it. If nothing comes up, you are probably good to go. Trademarks are only good within state borders anyway. Just because you find your desired trademark being used in California doesn't mean you can't use it in Colorado. If you are wanting to do business across state lines, however, you will have to register the trademark with the USPTO, as Wade said. Remember, though, that whether or not your register your trademark, it is entirely incumbent upon you to protect your trademark, and unless you are making lots of money with it, it isn't always worth it.
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Zero2Cool
13 years ago
I suppose I'd have to consult with the Colorado portion. I was thinking of starting a small business for computer enhancement/repair. I know a fella that is really good with business stuff, but he's a slick chap and I'd rather go into it on my own and reap all the benefits.

I started considering this years ago and more so when I recently heard a comment of "if you're good at something, don't do it for free". I have, I believe a decent skill set when it comes to computer's and technology as a whole and if I can profit off of it, why not?
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beast (15h) : Yeah, but also some of the wording suggestions Jax only pranked called the QB, not the others... and if he had an open spreadsheet & 3 calls
beast (15h) : Thank goodness he's not leaving the Turtle in the Red Tide
Mucky Tundra (16h) : Cowboys 1st round pick Tyler Booker will indeed be bringing his pet turtle to Dallas with him
Mucky Tundra (16h) : that contained all prospects info and contact
Mucky Tundra (16h) : beast, according the Falcons statement Jax came across it on an ipad. If I had to guess, probably an open spread sheet or something
Zero2Cool (16h) : Simmons put up an emoji with cheese.
beast (16h) : Not sure anyone is interested in Isaiah Simmons... Collin Oliver might of taken his potential slot
beast (16h) : I'm going with Jax Ulbrich is not telling the whole truth... he accidentally came across it? Why would a defensive coordinator have a QB #?
Zero2Cool (17h) : He's not that great, but final piece of the script.\
Zero2Cool (17h) : If we add Isaiah Simmons, book your Super Bowl tickets
Mucky Tundra (17h) : Colts 1st round TE Tyler Warren also got prank called, was that Jax Ulbrich as well?
Zero2Cool (17h) : Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich’s son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
Martha Careful (18h) : apparently he did not participate in practice or play on the east west shrine game nor the NFL combine. The kid was a mediocre spoiled brat
Mucky Tundra (18h) : Yeah that one that was a super wounded duck that Sanders supporters are highlighting to prove a point
Zero2Cool (18h) : Shough is the guy who missed guys at combine isn't he?
beast (19h) : It's not official until I'm dead! I have a chance still! (Not really)
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : I could feel my body decomposing in real time when I read that
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : @MIKEYSAINRISTIL Tyler Shough will officially be the last person drafted to the NFL born in the 1900’s
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : saw the tweet, he meant the city
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : Was that for the team or the city?
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter · 3m Draft grade is in: Green Bay gets an A. The people, the city, the venue were all superb. NFL Draft’s next
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matt LaFleur says Jaire Alexander is participating in #Packers offseason program, which has been conducted virtually during this first week
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : ✅ ...
buckeyepackfan (26-Apr) : Check
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matthew Golden cahanged 81 to 22??
TheKanataThrilla (26-Apr) : Sam Howell to Vikings...guess no Aaron
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : 1 round 7 min, with one extra minute if there is a trade. 2nd round 4 minutes, 3rd -3, 2 thereafter IMO
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Agree
dfosterf (26-Apr) : Great idea imo
dfosterf (26-Apr) : 1st round to 7 minutes with one extension
dfosterf (26-Apr) : NFL comissioner wants to shorten the 2st
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : @jalenreagors They’re discussing if Sheduer can go back to college on NFL Network LMFAOOOOO
beast (26-Apr) : Great point Martha
beast (26-Apr) : Buddy Ryan used to say if a candy bar goes missing, there are two to blame, Rex and Rob 🤪 jk 😁
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Bum Phillips used to say there are two ways to get better. Get better players or get players to play better. We have a new DL coach
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Yes. Look at the losses last year. They can win.
beast (26-Apr) : Can Packers win with their current DL?
bboystyle (26-Apr) : waiting for a pass rusher.
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 5 minutes between picks in the 3rd
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 3rd. Hate this phone
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 4rd
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 5 minutes in the 4
dfosterf (25-Apr) : 7 minutes between picks in the 2nd round
Martha Careful (25-Apr) : Sorry to bitch, but the headline writers in that section absolutely mislead, or don't know how to read. It is maddening
Martha Careful (25-Apr) : No thanks. Not a dependable guy to be in the right place and run the right route. Dumb as a box of rocks.
Zero2Cool (25-Apr) : Losing 2nd round pick for a one year rental, not ideal. Especially a headcase.
TheKanataThrilla (25-Apr) : Pickens for Jaire may be interesting. Definitely not sure we want Pickens long term.
dfosterf (25-Apr) : No.Absolutely not
Zero2Cool (25-Apr) : NO NO NO NO NO NO!!1 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
dhazer (25-Apr) : scenario: Our main prospects are off the board when our pick comes around, do we just throw a 2nd round pick at Pittsburgh for Pickens
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