Protecting Your Business Name in California: A Comprehensive Guide

How do I protect my business name in California?
If the name is available for use in California, to protect the name for future use, a foreign (not California) corporation that is (1) not registered with the California Secretary of State and (2) not transacting intrastate business in California, can register the corporate name with the Secretary of State by filing a
Read more on www.sos.ca.gov

Your name is everything when you operate a firm. It serves as the public face of your company and is how your clients and consumers are introduced to you. Therefore, safeguarding your company identity is crucial. We’ll look at some of the ways to do this in California in this article. How Much Does a Federal Trademark Cost?

Depending on the sort of application you submit, the cost of a federal trademark registration can range from $225 to $600. The TEAS Plus application and the TEAS Standard application are the two different application kinds. The cost of the TEAS Standard application is $275 per class of goods or services, compared to $225 for the TEAS Plus application. The cost for submitting a paper application is $600 for each class of goods or services. What is the Most Economical Method of Marking?

Self-filing a trademark application is the most affordable method of trademarking. However, unless you have prior familiarity with trademark law, we do not advise doing this. Due to the complexity of trademark law, a mistake could cause your application to be denied or even lead to the future cancellation of your trademark. It is best to work with a skilled trademark lawyer to assist you in submitting your application. How Can I Safeguard My Business Name? There are various ways to safeguard your company name, such as: 1. Registering your company name with the Secretary of State of California. You will then have sole authority to use your company name in California as a result. 2. Registering a trademark with the federal government. Your company name will be protected on a national level thanks to this, and anyone who uses it without your consent can be sued. 3. Keeping an eye on your company name. Watch out for any organizations or people using your name or a name that sounds similar. Take fast action if you discover someone using your trademark without your permission. Should I Register My Business Name as a Trademark Before Creating My LLC?

Yes, you should register a trademark for your company name before creating an LLC. By doing this, you can prevent having to subsequently change your name if someone else has already registered it and ensure that your company name is secured from the start. Additionally, registering your trademark might help your company gain more reputation and stand out in a congested industry.

In conclusion, safeguarding your company name is critical to its success. By registering your name with the Secretary of State, registering it as a federal trademark, and keeping an eye out for any trademark infringement, you may safeguard your name in California. Even though the price of a federal trademark registration can vary, it’s important to get the assistance of a skilled trademark lawyer when submitting your application. And never forget that registering your company name as a trademark before creating your LLC is always a wise choice.

FAQ
What happens if someone trademarks your business name?

If your company name is trademarked, that person will have the sole right to use it in connection with a specific class of goods or services. As a result, you might be unable to use your company name in those categories and might need to modify it. However, if you were using the name prior to the trademark application, you might be able to legally oppose the trademark. If you find yourself in this scenario, you should speak with a lawyer.