A name’s copyright might cost between $35 and $65 for an internet application and up to $85 for a printed one. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will file the application and examine it as part of this cost. Depending on the complexity of the name and whether any objections are raised, the full procedure could take up to six months or longer.
Using a name in commerce and creating a common law trademark are the two ways to legally trademark a name. This means that rather than registering a domain, you may prove ownership of it by use and reputation. However, trademark registration offers more robust legal defense and may make it simpler to exercise your legal rights.
To legally do business, it may occasionally be necessary to register a trading name. For instance, you might need to register your trading name with your state or local government if you are a sole proprietorship or partnership. However, you might not need to register your trading name separately if you are doing business as a corporation or LLC.
Although your trading name and business name can be distinct, it’s crucial to make sure that neither name is confusingly similar to any other registered trademarks or company names. Legal problems and potential infringement claims may result from this.
Utilizing a DBA name is one option available to businesses. This permits companies to continue using their legal corporate name while operating under a different name. However, using a DBA has several drawbacks, including as potential consumer misunderstanding, extra paperwork, and filing costs.
In conclusion, copyrighting a name can be expensive and depend on a number of different criteria, but it is a crucial step in safeguarding your business identification. Using a name as a trademark is likewise free under common law, but trademark registration offers more robust legal defense. In some circumstances, registering a trading name may be required, and companies wanting to operate under a different name may want to consider a DBA.
Choosing a business name, registering your company with the Secretary of State, collecting any necessary licenses and permits, and filing your state taxes are all steps you must take in order to open your own business in Louisiana. Although it is not required by law to copyright a business name, you may decide to do so to safeguard your brand and stop others from using a similar name. You must submit an application and pay a fee to the United States Copyright Office in order to copyright a company name. It’s crucial to keep in mind that copyright only protects original creative works, so if your company name is just a simple phrase, it might not be protected.