If you’ve ever started your own business, you know that name recognition is a major part of the game. It is the benchmark of your business’ brand and your calling card with clients. Protecting your name from competitors who might try to piggyback off your success is crucial. And, it can be accomplished with We the People of NY, who can prepare the necessary legal documents to safeguard your name.

How to Protect Your Business Name

1. Set Up an LLC or Corporation

One sure-fire way to protect your business name is to file legal documents to set up your business as a limited liability company or corporation with the State of New York. The State will not allow two business to be registered under the same name. The New York Department of State is in charge of business licensing and will be able to tell you whether or not a business is already using the name you have. The State has an online database that you can check business names.

2. Register Your Name & File a DBA

Sole proprietors and partnerships do not necessarily have to claim LLC or corporation status for their businesses. They can, instead, decide to protect their unique business name by registering their business as DBA, or “doing business as.” This allows customers to easily find who owns the business and creates a legal record of your use of that name. In the State or New York, the county or counties where you do business will require you to file paperwork to protect your DBA name.

3. Trademark Your Business Name

Trademark protections extend across state lines; this may be an important option if your business has a national scope. But, it’s somewhat trickier to obtain a trademark for a business name. To successfully apply for a trademark, you must establish that you have a unique name that won’t be easily confused with other trademarks; your name can neither be generic nor merely descriptive.

We the People of NY offers services in many areas of legal document preparation in the state of New York. From business incorporation and LLCs to not-for-profits and name trademark, this company can provide for all your needs to prepare and file documents to protect your business’ name. Visit their website or call them at (212) 633-2200 today to schedule an appointment.