Trade name search
A trade name is the specific identification given to Organizations and to their products and services. A trademark is a word or a phrase, a design or a slogan or even a symbol that seeks to be different from other products and services that are being offered by rivals. The Government offers the most protection to the names that have been registered and legally approved so as to help the company maintain its exclusivity, brand its name and earn its reputation, not being confused by another brand or reputation that may suffer, using the same name in the market.
THE LEGAL ASPECT
When you need to register your company, you may contact your Secretary of State?s office where you can be assisted in choosing a name for your company. It is indeed necessary that you select a name that is exclusive and not used by any other company in the similar field. The Government office is helpful by providing a Guide book that gives hints and the many kinds of processes to acquire a trade name for your company. There are other ways of checking whether the name that you have chosen is active in the market by another company or is no longer used. One such form of information that is potent is the Internet where you can check to see if you name is already in use, is new or has been inactive. Should you need guidance regarding the laws in the search of a trade name, it is important you consult a lawyer to help you in these matters. Remember that the name chosen for your trading company has to be approved by the Government in order to become registered and function legally. So it is with trademarks. There are various fields to check the same such as the fields of mortgage or trading or manufacturing, etc. and these can be obtained by approaching the State to crosscheck your name, get approval before it becomes a registered company.
SOME QUESTIONS CONCERNING TRADE NAME
& TRADEMARKS
Filing the Name of the Business
Usually you need to file the name of your business with the Office of the Secretary of State. The DBA or business name that is filed here will be thoroughly checked the database of names that is in the State?s Office and the result will either be proceed forth with the name or get another name. The charge for filing your business name amount to ten dollars and can be paid either by check, cashiers check, M. O. or plain cash. Credit cards are usually not accepted.
Preliminary search for Name
The online search may be done where you can see if your name is already been used by another company or is brand-new or has become inactive due to business failure or the closing down of a company. It is advised that you print all your office stationery like visiting cards, letterheads etc. at a later date that is after the business name has been approved by the Government of your State.
The Filing process for Trademark or service mark:
It is the same process that is done for trade names. Here, it is a necessity that you give a complete description in writing of the logo that you wish to have for your company. The logo descriptions that accompany the application must be xeroxed clearly. These forms can be made available over the Internet at the respective site. The filing charge amounts to fifteen dollars and once the mark is approved for registration, you will get a certificate of registration with regard to your company?s logo.
Rejection of Trade Name
If your name is already in use, the State Office will not file your registration for the trade name, should the same not be distinguishable with the Government records regarding other names that have been filed prior to your registration application.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR TRADE NAME
It can be a tedious task to choose a trade name for your company but it is also one of the most satisfying tasks to accomplish when you begin your company. However you must be aware that the selection of your names is subject to two categories like the government?s mandatory needs for the registering of your trade names and the registrations that are optional but which render more understandable protection for your trade name.
Often you choose a business that goes by another name other than your personal name and after that you will want your choice registered and protected from other similar businesses so that your trade name cannot be used by them. Thus with this registration, the legal issues are resolved with rivals because the function of the Registration Department is to see that you choose a name that cannot be easily confused with that of your rivals.
GOVERNMENT FORMS FOR TRADENAME & TRADEMARKS
The registration application
The Trade name assignment
The Renewal application for a Trade name
The Trade name Amendment form
Form for the cancellation of a Trade name
The Classification numbers for a Trade name
Please be informed that the Government has many rules and regulations concerning the choosing of your trade name and you may find these rules on the website of the Secretary State of Office. It is important that the names be as distinguishable as can be from that of a competitor and the rules of the Government shall apply when your trade name is under scrutiny before registration approval. Thus with the help of the Government, you may go ahead and legalize the choice of your trade name, if the same is new or inactive and has no similarity with that of a competitor. The legal way is the right way if you are looking to establish your company on terra firma with the markets of the world. Adhere to the Law and the Law shall protect your company?s trade name for as long as you maintain your business. Play the game straight and spiritually you will be paving the way for great success. Believe it and send in your application for your trade name. Now!
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