Although it can be an exhilarating endeavor, starting a business can also be expensive. Protecting your brand by registering your name as a trademark is one of the startup fees. However, a lot of business owners might be asking themselves, “How do I trademark a name for free?” We will look at the procedures you can use to free trademark a name in this article.
Let’s first go through what a trademark is and why it is significant before getting started on the free trademarking process for names. A trademark is a design, word, or phrase that identifies and sets apart a company’s goods from those of rival businesses. A trademark gives the owner legal protection and prevents others from using a mark that could confuse customers.
Next, let’s talk about how to free trademark a name. A thorough search should be done in the first step to make sure the name you wish to trademark is not already in use. The online database of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can be used to look up already-existing trademarks. You will need to think of a new name to trademark if your preferred name is already in use.
Once you’ve established that the name you want is available, you may start the trademarking procedure. The TEAS RF (Reduced Fee) application, which is offered by the USPTO, is a free trademark filing option. You must fill out this application online and include details about your company, the mark you wish to trademark, and how the mark will be used.
While the TEAS RF application is free, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there can be additional expenses. For instance, if your application is denied, you might need to retain a trademark lawyer to assist you in appealing the ruling. Additionally, there are additional costs for the service of expediting your application.
Let’s proceed to some similar queries now. Several variables, including the type of business, location, and sector, might affect the average cost of starting a business. The Small firm Administration estimates that the average cost to launch a firm is between $3,000 and $5,000. However, for companies that must make substantial investments in property or equipment, this figure may be considerably higher.
Businesses that intend to sell products or services in Colorado must apply for a seller’s permit with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Businesses are permitted to collect sales tax on behalf of the state with this permit. A seller’s permission application can be submitted for free online.
Finally, you must submit articles of incorporation to the Colorado Secretary of State if you want to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Colorado. In Colorado, submitting articles of incorporation costs $50. Additionally, LLCs are exempt from state income tax in Colorado, but owners may still be subject to self-employment taxes.
In conclusion, it is possible to trademark a name for no cost, but it necessitates thorough investigation and close attention to detail. You may safeguard your brand without spending a fortune by following the instructions provided in this article and, if necessary, consulting an expert. It’s crucial to take into account other startup fees, such as those related to getting a seller’s permit and submitting articles of incorporation for your LLC.