You've decided to go into business for yourself. You've done your research into your industry, overhead, equipment, advertising, etc. You're all set to go, right? Wrong!
If you have NOT had comprehensive research conducted on your business name, then you do not know if it's truly available.
A common mistake many new business owners make is assuming that their business name is available simply because:
• the domain name was available • the fictitious name was available • the corporate name was available • internet research showed the name was available • yellow page research showed the name was available The above are merely preliminary indications of what business names, service names, and product names are out there. Only comprehensive research will tell you if a name is truly available for use.
Ok, so what is comprehensive research?
Comprehensive research entails searching a variety of files.
The first step is a comprehensive search of the pending and registered Federal and State trademark files. Similar names matter too! The search should look for similarities in Sound, Appearance and Meaning, which means looking at synonyms, spelling variations, word placement, translations (if necessary), etc.
The second step is a comprehensive search of US National Common-Law files. This entails searching incorporation records, all fictitious name/DBA records, Dun & Bradstreet records, product announcements, newspapers, company directories, etc.
If the research proves clear on both steps, you can then decide if you'd like to file for a State or Federal trademark.
Don't make the mistake of assuming your business name is available – only comprehensive research will tell you that!
The One Mistake many Owners make when Starting a Business - To learn more about this author, visit Shannon Moore's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 Ten Major Mistakes To Avoid In Your Web Site Design
|
| |
Business web sites are very effective business tools if they are planned and designed carefully and strategically. Too many times business owners become fascinated with all the “technological gimmicks” and forget a...
|
|
Top 7 Tips to Avoid the Top 7 Mistakes Small Business Owners Make
|
| |
Insanity as defined by Einstein is making the same mistakes over and over again hoping for different results. Small business owners are no exception. These 7 tips may help you may the current year the best ever.
|
|
Using Mistakes Successfully
|
| |
 Each of us at one time or another has thought about how wonderful it would be to have as much foresight as hindsight. Then we could avoid
making mistakes! Not only is that hope unrealistic, it's also unwise. Mista...
|
|
Has Your Fire Gone Out?
|
| |
Have you found that you've lost the initial excitement of having your own business? Are you second guessing your decision to become an entrepreneur? Do you find you are experiencing burn out?
Don't worry. This ca...
|
|
Do You Have a Marketing Plan
|
| |
Don't fall into the same trap that 98% of all other business owners fall into -- that is putting "fire fighting" as a higher priority than "business building." Use the process outlined in this article and sta...
|
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
