Choosing a name for your new company is one of the most crucial first tasks. However, it’s crucial to confirm that a name hasn’t previously been trademarked before deciding on it. A trademark is anything that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services, whether it be a term, phrase, symbol, or design. Using a name that has already been trademarked could result in future legal issues. Here’s how to determine whether a name has a trademark.
To start, a trademark search must be done. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website might be used for this. The Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) is a free trademark search tool provided by the USPTO. The USPTO’s current list of registered trademarks can be found using this tool. It’s crucial to understand that a name may be trademarked even if it doesn’t exist in the TESS database. Unregistered trademarks and common law trademarks could exist but not be listed in the database.
Hiring a trademark lawyer is another technique to determine whether a name has been registered as a trademark. An attorney who specializes in trademark law can carry out a more extensive search and offer legal counsel regarding the suitability of a name. This approach can offer better security and legal protection, even if it is more expensive than using the TESS database.
The price of a small business license varies according on the type of business and location, which is relevant to the cost of starting a small business in Tennessee. For instance, a business license in Nashville might cost anywhere from $15 and $100, depending on the kind of enterprise. Different fees and regulations can apply in other Tennessee counties and towns. The price of a business license should be confirmed with the local authorities.
The cost varies based on the type of corporation when incorporating a firm in Tennessee. A Tennessee company must pay $100 in filing fees whereas a Tennessee LLC must pay $300. The costs of incorporating may also include taxes and legal fees in addition to the filing fees.
Even if an LLC lost money, it’s still crucial to submit taxes and keep accurate records. If you don’t, you risk fines and legal issues. If the LLC is not making any money, it’s equally crucial to think about the legal and financial ramifications of dissolving it.
A well-liked online provider for forming an LLC is LegalZoom. Even if it might be a practical and economical choice, it’s crucial to consider the benefits and drawbacks before utilizing the service. LegalZoom offers fundamental legal documentation and assistance, but it could not offer the same level of protection and counsel as consulting a local attorney. It’s also crucial to be aware that LegalZoom charges extra money for several services, like expedited filing and registered agent services.
In conclusion, determining whether a name is trademarked is a crucial step when launching a new company. You can either hire a trademark lawyer or use a free trademark search tool to do it. Depending on the sort of business and location, a small business license and incorporation in Tennessee have different costs. Even if an LLC isn’t making any money, it’s still vital to submit taxes and keep accurate records. Although LegalZoom can be a practical choice for forming an LLC, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using the service before deciding to use it.