Tradename Registration
In all the excitement of a new business, it can be easy to lose sight of some of the most important steps that will protect your fledgling business down the road. Carefully choosing your business’s name can not only set the direction and marketing of your new company, but it can also keep you out of legal trouble and protect your profits later.
1. Choosing your entity name.
When you form your initial business entity, registering your name at the state level will prevent any other business from operating under your business name at the state. In Maryland and D.C., you can run a business name search before registering your business entity.
2. Registering your trademark.
Registering your trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can protect your business, services, or goods on a national level. A trademark can prevent another business providing the same service from operating under the same name and allow you to protect your business through trademark infringement actions. Before forming your business or naming a product or service, it’s a good idea to check the U.S.P.T.O. trademark database for competing trademarks.
Registering a D.B.A.
If your business is operating under a different name from your business entity, in some states, you must let the state know the name you are “doing business as.” In Maryland, you may be able to register a D.B.A. through Maryland’s Business Express portal. In D.C., you can register a D.B.A. through the District’s Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Registering a domain name.
Registering a domain name for your business can also help protect your future profits. In the 21st century, most businesses need to maintain an online presence. Once you register a domain name, no one else can use it as long as you or your business own it. You should consult a list of accredited registrars to register your domain name.
Experienced Business and Tax Guidance
Whether you’re just starting or revamping an existing business, tradename registration is an essential part of protecting your company’s brand and your bottom line. Attorney Beverly Winstead is an award-winning business and tax attorney and a law professor with extensive experience guiding individuals, businesses, and nonprofits from business startups through ongoing legal compliance and tax issues. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Beverly Winstead offer our clients a wealth of legal tax and business advice. Give us a call at 301-306-1234 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.