Registering a Business

List at least three resources that can help you set up your business.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) State Secretary of State office county courthouse local Chamber of Commerce

What is a DBA name, and when does a company need one?

A DBA name is a "doing business as" name that the company is known by. It is the trade name or brand name of the company. If a sole proprietorship or partnership wants to use a company name that doesn't include the last names of the owner(s), the company will need a DBA name.

What is a trademark, and why might you register one?

A trademark is a protected brand name or trade name for a company, product, or service. A trademark helps to differentiate one company, product, or service from others. To protect your company's name so that other companies can't imitate you and mislead customers, you can register the name as a trademark.

What are the five steps to register a trademark?

Choose a name. Research the name. Register with the state. Register with the USPTO. Claim your trademark.

Why would a sole proprietorship or partnership need to submit a DBA form for the company?

The name of the company doesn't include the last names of all the owners.

Which of these are reasons to research names of other companies before turning in your trademark application?

To make sure you don't get in trouble for using a trademark that belongs to someone else. To keep customers from confusing your company with another similar company. To lower the chances of having your trademark application get rejected.

DBA name

a "doing business as" name that the company is known by. It is the trade name or brand name of the company.

trademark

a protected brand name or trade name for a company, product, or service. A trademark helps to differentiate one company, product, or service from others.