Trademarking Your DBA: All You Need to Know

If you own a business, you may be familiar with the term “DBA,” which stands for “doing business as.” You can conduct business under a name other than your legal business name by using a DBA, which is a fictional name. You would need to obtain a DBA if, for instance, you operate under the name “Smith’s Plumbing” but your actual business name is “John Smith Enterprises LLC.” Can you, however, trademark your DBA? Let’s look more closely.

The quick answer is that your DBA can be trademarked. You must, however, adhere to certain conditions. Your DBA must be original and not in use by another company if you want to trademark it. To find out if your preferred DBA is available, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) database. You can submit a trademark application to the USPTO if it is accessible. The ® sign can be placed next to your DBA to indicate that it is a registered trademark once your application has been granted.

It is feasible to add “Co” to your company name, however it depends on how your company is set up. You cannot include “Co” in your company name if you are a solo proprietor. As long as it is included in your articles of incorporation or articles of organization, you may, however, add “Co” to your business name if you are a corporation or an LLC.

Any fake name that a company employs to conduct business under a name other than its official business name qualifies as a DBA example. If you run your company under the name “Sweet Delights,” for example, but your formal business name is “Linda’s Bakery LLC,” then “Sweet Delights” is your DBA. Is a Washington State LLC Operating Agreement Required?

In Washington State, an LLC operating agreement is necessary. The operating agreement, which describes the policies and procedures of your LLC, is an essential document even though it is not required to be filed with the Secretary of State. The operating agreement should address issues including the management structure of the LLC, ownership stakes, and voting privileges.

You must register a trade name with the Secretary of State in order to add a DBA to your LLC in Washington State. The legal name of your LLC, the DBA you intend to use, and the details of your business must all be included in the registration. The registration can be submitted online or by mail. You can utilize your DBA to carry on business in Washington State once your registration has been approved.

In conclusion, it is feasible to trademark your DBA, but it must be distinct and not in use by another company. Depending on your business structure, it may be possible to add “Co” to your company name. Any fake name that a company employs to conduct business under a name other than its official business name is known as a DBA. In Washington State, an LLC operating agreement is necessary, and to add a DBA to your LLC, you must register a trade name with the Secretary of State.