Question:
How do I get a trademark?
Tips on Trademarks
If you're using a trademark or service mark, be sure to:
*Capitalize the first letter.
*State on your packaging and/or advertising that your company owns the mark.
*If you've registered the mark, use an R with a circle around it to indicate this.
*If you've registered the mark only within your state or not at all, use the letters TM for trademark or SM service mark to indicate your ownership.
*Enforce your rights by notifying other businesses or the media if they're improperly using your mark.
Naming your business
When considering a name for your new company, there are some required registrations (usually filed at the county level), and there are state registrations. Depending on the structure of your business, you will most likely need only one or the other.
Required Registrations
1. Trade or fictitious name: In most states, this registration is done at the county level by filling out a short form and paying a small fee. Usually a sole proprietorship or a partnership requires such a registration, but it may also be required of a corporation if the company will be operating under both the corporate name and a dba.
2. Incorporating. As part of the process of incorporating, you'll be registering your corporate name with the secretary of state in the state you'll be doing business. This registration process will reveal whether any other business has a confusingly similar corporate name.
These "required" registrations not only show others that you are using a particular name, but are also a means of tracking your business by the local taxing authorities.
Optional Registrations
For additional protection, and if you plan on doing business nationally, you may want to look into registering a trademark or service mark. Conduct a search of the federal register of trade and service marks. You may refer to http://www.uspto.gov for the patent and trademark office information. At the time of this posting, the initial application fee is $325 (or $650 in some instances). There may be additional fees (ranging around $100 each) for various renewals and other actions.
Small Businesses Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent business losses?
How do I attract new business?
How do I work around the kids?
How can I save money in my business?
How do I keep customers satisfied?
How do I spend time with my kids while working at home?
How do I manage work hours at home?
How do I work at home around my kids?
How do I read financial statements?
How do I help someone with a problem?
What are some inspirational quotes?
What are some inspirational quotes?
How do I sponsor distributors?
How do I put my life in balance?
What are some inspirational quotes?
How do I choose and MLM company?
How do I do accounting for my business?
How do I know if a company is a pyramid scheme?
Where can I find new business leads?
Where do I find new business ideas?
How do I measure my business growth?
Why won´t my team members follow my leadership?
How do I manage paperwork and piles?
How do I keep my desk organized?
What are some inspirational quotes?
What are Financial Statements?
What do I do when I start to question my business decisions?
How do I track my business income?
How do I find fulfillment in my life?
How do compensation plans differ?
How can I work more efficiently?
What will make me a strong leader?
How do I identify embezzlement?
How do I get work done with kids around?
What do I need to get organized?
Where can I find a babysitter while I´m working at home?
How can I balance work and family?
How do I identify embezzlement?
How do I keep my family organized?
How do I find a name for my business?
How can I prepare for each day?
What is a good business investment?
Why should I attend business seminars?
How can I do my business better?
How do I cut down on phone time?
What do I do with sales taxes I collect?
What can I deduct for my business?
What is the difference between a business and a hobby?
How long do I have to keep taxes, receipts and other important docs?
Where do I find business help?
Why should I keep my desk clean?
How do I keep my goals in line with my life?
How do I prepare a Balance Sheet?
How do I keep from getting burned out?
How do I stay on track with my goals?
How do I protect my business in case of disaster?
What are the skills of a good leader?
Where can I find infomation about starting a home business?
How do I become a better manager?
How do I recruit new distributors?
How do I lead people with different personalities?
Why is decision making important?
What can deduct for a home office?
Why should I thank my customers?
How do I expand my sphere of influence?
What are qualities of a good leader?
How do I work around my family´s schedule?
How do I work business around my family?
How do I compensate my employees?
How can playdates help my business?
How do I make phone calls with children around?
How do I get the respect my business deserves?
How do I develop and train leaders?
How do I handle a business disaster?
How do I keep up with the industry?
What is the difference between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?
How do I balance my business and personal life?
How can I learn how to do my taxes?
How do I keep my kids away from my work area?
How do I get a business started?
How can I find information about a specific company?
How do I talk on the phone with young children?
How can I measure my productivity?
How do I start a small business?
How do I deal with being told no?
How do I get paid in MLM or Network Marketing?
Can I write off the sale of an asset?
Where do successful people come from?
How do I achieve peace of mind?
Where can I find easy financial tips?
How do I keep a clean house with a home business?
How do I find out about legal issues for my business?
What are the characteristics of successful people?
How do I build my business network?
How can I keep my inbox empty?
What do I need to get organized?
How can I always be prepared for business?
How do I get paid if I´m self-employed?
What is a Binary Compensation Plan?
How do I know if my business is making money?
How do I make money in my business?
Why is working at home good for my family?
How do I hire a professional to do my household chores?
How do I find professional help for my business?
How do I stop all these bounced check charges from my bank?
How do I get the attetion of prospects and turn them into buyers?
How do I balance family and work?
What is the Australian Compensation Plan?
How do I remember everything I need to do?
Can a mom with children really have a successful business?
How do I support my family, community, and my business?
How do direct sellers file taxes?
Where do I find info on starting a business?
What are the laws governing home businesses?
What am I legally responsible for in my business?
What if I set a goal, but don´t reach it?
How do I tell people about my business?
Why are home-businesses a good option?
What does a home-business offer me?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sheri Ann Richerson |
