You must apply for a DBA (Doing Business As) in Georgia if you are beginning a business there and intend to use a name that is different from your legal name. A DBA is also referred to as a trade name, assumed name, or fictional name.
It is a quick and easy process to register for a DBA in Georgia online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. $25 is required for registration, which is good for five years. You can lawfully operate a business under your chosen name by applying for a DBA.
A DBA registration is not the same as registering your logo as a trademark. While trademarking your logo gives it legal protection, registering a DBA just permits you to use a name for your company.
Consider registering your logo as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) if you want to keep it safe and prohibit others from exploiting it. With a trademark, you have the sole right to use the logo and can sue anyone who uses it without your consent.
One way to safeguard your company name in Georgia is to register for a DBA, but it’s not the only one. Additionally, you can apply to the USPTO to register your company name as a trademark.
To be sure no one else is using a name that sounds similar, a thorough check should be done before registering for a trademark. You can use the USPTO website to search or you can get help from a trademark lawyer.
So, if I want to trademark a name before launching a firm, can I? You can register a trademark for a name prior to opening a business, yes. In order to stop someone else from using the same name, it is actually advised that you do this.
You don’t need to be running a business to trademark a name. To use the name in trade, you must have a genuine intent. This means that if you intend to utilize the name in conjunction with a good or service, you must have a strategy.
Though not required, trademarking your company name and logo is strongly advised. You may safeguard your brand and stop others from using it without your consent by trademarking your name and logo.
In conclusion, if you intend to run your business under a name other than your given name, you must file for a DBA. It is not necessary to trademark your company name or logo, but doing so is highly advised to safeguard your brand and stop unauthorized usage.
You can search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to learn whether a trademark has been authorized. You can look up trademarks that are already registered or that are awaiting registration in this database. The trademark name, owner name, or registration number can all be used for searches. Additionally, you have the option of speaking with a trademark lawyer or agent, who may support you in your search for and assessment of a trademark.
If your Canva-created logo satisfies the criteria for trademark registration—such as being unique and not too similar to already-existing trademarks—you may be able to register it. To ensure proper registration and protection of your brand, it is suggested that you speak with a trademark lawyer.