Securing a trademark for your company name is one of the most crucial measures you can do to protect your brand. However, registering a trademark can be expensive, and many business owners might not have the money to spend on this form of legal defense. Thankfully, there are various possibilities for free name patenting.
Using the “common law” trademark system is one of the most popular ways to get trademark protection without paying any fees. Businesses that use a certain name or emblem in commerce are given some protection under this system, even if they haven’t filed a trademark application with the USPTO. This protection is constrained, though, and could not be adequate for all businesses.
Applying for a state-level trademark is an additional free trademark option. State trademarks do not offer nationwide protection, but they might be a cheap method to register your company name as a trademark in a particular region. For instance, business owners in Georgia can submit an application for a state trademark through the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.
There are some methods for reducing costs if you choose to obtain a federal trademark. You can choose to represent yourself in the process without engaging legal counsel by filing a “pro se” application. While doing so can help you save money on legal bills, it also raises the possibility that your application will contain mistakes or omissions.
Some business owners might need to make adjustments to their LLC structure over time in addition to trademark protection. There are particular procedures you must take, for instance, if you need to modify your LLC in Georgia or remove an organizer. You must submit an Article of Amendment to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office in order to remove an LLC organizer. Similar to this, you must file an Article of Amendment in Georgia outlining the changes you want to make in order to modify your LLC.
Last but not least, you must file an amendment to your LLC in Georgia if you wish to include a business in it. This could entail revising your operating contract, submitting a fresh tax return, and securing any relevant licenses or permits for the new business activity.
In conclusion, it might not always be possible to patent a name for nothing, but there are ways to keep expenses down and provide some level of trademark protection. Whether you seek a federal or state trademark, it’s crucial to follow the right steps and make sure your application is precise and comprehensive. Additionally, you must file the necessary paperwork with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office if you ever need to make changes to the structure of your LLC. You can safeguard your brand and ensure the future success of your company with careful preparation and attention to detail.
The main subject of the article “Patenting a Name for Free: A Guide to Protecting Your Brand” is the filing for and protection of trademarks. It does not, however, mention whether or not statutory conversions are permitted in Georgia. As a result, I am unable to respond to the question using the information in the provided article.