Protecting Your Business Name

If you’re reading this, it probably means you’ve already done the hard work of coming up with a business name. Well, it’s not enough to just write it down on a piece of paper. You must legitimize it. When you register a business name, you ensure it can’t be stolen. It also gives legal clout should someone try to use it without your permission. Thankfully, getting a business name is easy!

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to register a business name. That way you can protect, promote and enhance your brand identity.

Form an LLC or Corporation

The most common way to file a business name is to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation. Creating an LLC or corporation not only offers liability protection, asset protection and tax benefits, but you also will register the business name in the process.

How so? Well, there are many steps you must take for form an LLC or corporation. One of those is filing your articles of incorporation (for corporations) or your articles of organization (LLC). This registers the name with the state. Better still, a more thorough search will be conducted to ensure the name is not already in use by another.

At the end of this process, you’ll not only have an official business name, you’ll have a legal business entity as well.

File a Doing Business As (DBA)

Filing a DBA (also known as registering a fictitious name) is the fastest way to register your business name. When you register an official business name, you’re telling the state and the public that you, the owner, are “doing business as” this named business.

Some states require you to publish a notice in newspapers to alert the community of this new connection. Also, if you were wondering how to register a business name for free, know that there is a small fee for filing a DBA.

The only time you’re not required to file a DBA is if you’re using your own name as your business. You must register any other business name, so the public knows who owns the business.

Last but not least, DBAs are required if you want to open a bank account in your business’s and make it easier to attract investors and business partners.

Trademark

A DBA is NOT a registered trademark. It’s just a name reservation within your state or county. It doesn’t guarantee that other businesses registered in other states won’t be competing in your market and doesn’t always provide legal protection.

To legally protect your name, you need to conduct a formal trademark search and file a trademark application. This guarantees your name is unique and protected from people who would try to use it without your permission.

Legal matters aside, having a trademark is one of the most valuable marketing tools available, helping consumers quickly identify your brand. Think about brands like Coca-Cola and Nike. We easily recognize their business name and logo.

Additionally, trademarks make it easy for customers to find you, providing an asset for effective communication with your audience. Whether it’s social media, website, email, print or storefront signage, trademarks offer instant recognition in a sea of competitors

In conclusion

If you want to brand your company, gain credibility, and gain more customers, all while giving your business an identity of its own, you MUST register your business name. This is vital in such a competitive marketplace.

And as you just read, there are a few ways to go about filing your business name, but the best and most secure way is by forming an LLC or Corporation. Lucky for you,  Nevada Corporate Headquarters has been in the business of forming businesses for over 30 years! Contact NCH today to get started!

.

GET STARTED

If you’re ready to turn your dream business into a reality, look no further than Nevada Corporate Headquarters. From business entity formation to accounting and taxes, building business credit and estate planning, our comprehensive asset protection strategies are second to none and are proven to help businesses successfully launch and grow. Contact us today and go from business idea to open for business.