Choosing a company name can be difficult, especially when you take into account the potential legal repercussions of choosing a name that is already in use. Make sure your business name is available in Connecticut before spending a lot of money on branding and promotion. The procedures you must take to determine whether a business name is available in Connecticut are covered in this article.
Use the business name search tool on the website of the Connecticut Secretary of State to start your search. You can use this tool to check whether the chosen business name is available or if it’s already taken. If your selected business name is available, you can submit a name reservation form to the Secretary of State’s office and hold it for up to 120 days.
If the name you choose for your company is not available, you will need to choose another name or think about registering a fictional name. You can do business using a name other than your registered business name if you register a fictitious name. For instance, if your company’s legal name is John Smith LLC but you want to operate under the name “Smith’s Hardware,” you would need to register a fictitious name.
The rules governing trademarks must also be taken into account while choosing a company name. A trademark is a design, term, or phrase that is used to identify and set your products or services apart from those of competitors. Books, music, and software are examples of original works of authorship that are protected by a copyright. An innovation or discovery is protected by a patent, including tools, procedures, and material compositions.
The rules of nature, phenomena, and abstract concepts are some examples of things that cannot be trademarked. In a similar vein, a trademark that is too close to an already registered trademark cannot be registered. A type of intellectual property protection known as a trademark secret refers to exclusive business data that gives a business a competitive edge.
Consult with a lawyer who focuses on these issues if you are worried about violating intellectual property rights or trademarks. Additionally, you might need to apply for an IP recordal, which is a procedure that enables you to register your intellectual property rights with foreign customs officials, if you intend to use your business name to conduct business in other states.
In conclusion, choosing a company name is a significant choice that needs to be carefully thought through. By using the procedures described in this article, you can find out if the business name you want to use is already in use in Connecticut and take the appropriate precautions to safeguard your intellectual property rights.
Yes, you can submit your own trademark application. However, it is advised to work with a trademark lawyer to make sure your application is completed and submitted correctly and to prevent any future legal complications.
Depending on the kind of trademark application you select, the cost to register a trademark in Connecticut varies. While the costs for a TEAS Plus application are between $225 and $325, they are between $275 and $375 for a conventional trademark application. For submitting extra documents or seeking additional services, there are additional expenses as well. For additional information on the cost of trademark registration, it is recommended to speak with a trademark lawyer or visit the USPTO website.