Soooo.....for some time, I have been working on ways to start a business around the car related field and merch, and at this point I finally have the logo/marketing down. I need some help on what I guy needs to do to protect my name and mark/logo. I started to look into Federal Trademark information, but I don't think I have the "goods" background yet to apply and get chosen. (IDK) I guess, what I'm asking is some pointers or steps to take to protect my logo/name/image....so as I can start to produce items under that name. (locally/nationally) Any help would be greatly appreciated. There is a lot of info on the web, but that doesn't make it legal or safe.....so hopefully some of you have first hand experience? Thanks!!!!!!
Maybe give @Justin or someone else at @GrimmSpeed a shout, I'm sure they've gone through that and maybe would be willing to sit down with you over a beer and do a brain dump, for a local subie guy
That's a great idea! Ive heard a lot about those guys, without really knowing anything about them. I would love to get a chance for something like that!
Step 1. secure your domain name. I used https://www.godaddy.com/ Step 2. Apply for a Tax ID number: https://www.tax-id-number-online.co...2l3PwGGdlDcECmHHGUxKGQOdnZ8vks2oh0RoCqRHw_wcB Actually, rather than me giving you all of the info, you can look through this link. Pretty much everything you will need to know. http://mn.gov/deed/business/starting-business/
A buddy and I started Aluminati Sound a year ago. We have our Federal and State tax ID numbers. Make sure to save all of your paperwork (receipts, invoices). Since we're selling audio related equipment online direct, we didn't need a permit or license but certain services do require these, check it out and see what you may need. Also make sure you talk to your customers properly. If you make a statement, they will hold you accountable and things can get ugly if handled incorrectly (warranty, repair, refund).
did you do a LLC or a Sole Proprietor / Individual tax id? some (maybe most) of my issue is I know what I want the company name/logo/image... idea to be....but the only products that I can provide out the gate is clothing/stickers and marketing type materials... stuff that goes along with the image/idea. The rest of the products will need to take off after the company is founded and name is secured. so in that case, will an LLC cover it all. or do I just start with individual? I'm currently reading as much as I can....but in the day of instant info its always nice to get feedback from actual people.
We did an LLC and both Jason and I use the same ID numbers. This locks in the business name with Federal and State. A new company could use a similar name but not the exact same name. For "Aluminati Sound" they could do "Aluminati" and start a business. Our logo is more of just a font, so we are not concerned with that at the moment but eventually we will have a custom logo made. This will have to be "Copy Right". A co worker started a company brewing beer. I believe he had a lawyer fill out some paperwork to protect all of this. I'll ask him tonight at work Here's my site btw: www.aluminatisound.com We used Web.com as our host. Stay away from them. We're pretty much locked in and have to continue using them….
I texted my co worker and he said talk to a lawyer. To trademark your name and copy right your logo, he said $300-$500.
well, I have a domain wrapped up (2 years for now).....I did apply and pay for the IRS tax ID ($195) does that count for state as well? or is it another separate application?
Tax ID numbers are free...state and federal. I am guessing you paid someone to file for you? If so that was a waste, as its super easy to appy for them right over their respective websites. www.irs.gov for Federal EIN Have you registered your info with the Secretary of State? www.sos.state.mn.us
Not sure why you would go through that site and pay for EIN filing when its free here... http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small...n-Employer-Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online
