The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:

 The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: 

A trademark protects your business name at a federal level, preventing other businesses nationwide from using the same name. You can check whether your desired business name is already trademarked by heading to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website and entering the business name into the trademark electronic search system (TESS). If another business in your industry uses the name you want, you must choose a new one. 

Once you’ve chosen a business name, you can reserve it with your state to protect it from use until you’re ready to form your business. While the rules vary state by state, you can typically reserve your business name online through your secretary of state’s official website for an average of 120 days. Name reservation fees can range from $10 to $50. 

. Pick a registered agent

A registered agent is an individual or business responsible for accepting legal notices on your business’s behalf. You can generally act as the registered agent for your business, but many small business owners choose a professional registered agent service instead of performing the duty themselves since the responsibilities can be time-intensive. 

Benefits of acting as your own registered agent:

  • No additional cost for registered agent services.
  • Documents delivered directly to you.
  • No new processes or software to learn.

    • Benefits of choosing a professional registered agent service:

  • Keep your personal contact information private.
  • Assistance receiving and organizing your documents.
  • Assistance keeping track of filing deadlines.
  • A registered agent is always available during regular business hours at the listed registered agent address (a requirement for serving as one).

    • Serving as your own registered agent can lead to the inability to manage your own business schedule as needed, higher risks of penalties and an inability to expand your business to other states. To decide whether it is in your best interest to serve as your own registered agent or hire one, learn more about the registered agent’s role in our guide. 

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