One of the most crucial decisions you’ll have to make when starting a small business is what to call it. This is an exciting and difficult venture. The answer to the question of whether they can refer to their small firm as a company that many entrepreneurs have is yes. A company differs from other forms of small enterprises, including sole proprietorships and LLCs, in a few key ways.
You can structure your small business in a number of ways when you first launch it. The two most typical forms of small enterprises are sole proprietorships and LLCs. Sole proprietorships are easier and less expensive to set up, but LLCs provide greater protection against personal liability. The decision between an LLC and a sole proprietorship ultimately comes down to your specific situation, including your business’s size, the number of employees you have, and your personal liability worries. Can a Name Be Trademarked?
Trademarks are a sort of intellectual property that prevents unauthorized use of your company name, logo, and other distinguishing features. By filing a trademark application with the USPTO, you may protect the use of your company name. To be sure no one else is using the same or a similar name, you should perform a search before registering your company name as a trademark. How Can I Get Free Copyright on a Name? Books, music, and other creative works of art are all protected by copyrights. Names of companies or catchphrases are not protected. However, you can secure your company name by filing for trademark protection. While conducting a trademark search and submitting a trademark application can be expensive, there are several free tools available to you, such as the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). Do You Have Copyright on a Name?
As was previously stated, corporate names and slogans are not protected by copyrights; only original works of authorship are. Thus, a name cannot be protected by copyright. However, you can secure your company name by filing for trademark protection. Trademarks grant you the sole right to use your company name in connection with your goods or services and offer legal recourse in the event of trademark infringement.
In conclusion, even if you can refer to your small business as a “company,” it’s critical to recognize the distinctions between a corporation and other kinds of small enterprises. You should also think about the advantages of trademarking your company name in order to safeguard your intellectual property. Ultimately, speaking with an experienced lawyer or business counselor is the best approach to make sure that your company is secured and structured appropriately.