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Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Q&A
What does it take to legally lock up a business name?
[14 posts] [9 contributors]
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ilovethiscity
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Posted 2 years ago # -
ilovethiscity
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hmmm. I just want to make sure that what I end up using is legally allowed and no one will pursue me for whatever reason. It's kinda funny when for the most part names are words in our everyday language...
Posted 2 years ago # -
aaminian
Short North
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State registrations are of very limited value, not only because of their geographical restrictions, but also because of the limited infringement remedies they provide relative to federal registration.
Assuming the name is available and protectable (the name has to be sufficiently distinctive to be eligible for protection under federal law), registering federally will cost you about $1000, which includes a couple hours of attorney time and a $325 filing fee per class of goods and/or services. I'm an intellectual property attorney and can help you with this if you'd like. My office number is 614-575-2100. Ask for Ashley.
Posted 2 years ago # -
ColumbusLivePhoto
Columbus, Oh
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good to know
Posted 2 years ago # -
Full Frontal Notary
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If you simply want to register your trade name in Ohio, just download the form from the Secretary of State's website and send it in with $50. Registration is good for a five-year period. You can also look up any business name registered in Ohio on the site.
Posted 2 years ago # -
kit444
Elsewhere
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You can do a cursory search of the federally registered marks at http://www.uspto.gov/, but to do a comprehensive clearance you should hire an attorney as suggested before.
If you haven't selected a name yet, think creatively. The strongest marks (and easiest to register) are the ones that are most distinctive. Even if it is a common word, if there isn't a previous association with the good or service, it can be distinctive (think Apple and computers).
Posted 2 years ago # -
groundrules
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kit444
Elsewhere
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groundrules
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unless we're talking about Apple Records.
Posted 2 years ago # -
ilovethiscity
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I am looking to use the name for a business in the state of Ohio only
Posted 2 years ago # -
Aunt Madge
Clintonville
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Go to the Secreaty of State's Website and download the "Name Reservation" form under business filings, fill it out, and then take it to the Secretary of State's Office in the Borden Building, on the N. Fourth Street side (just on this side of the alley beside the Columbus Athenaeum/plenty of meter parking), turn it in, along with a certified check for $50.00 made out to the Secretary of State and it will reserve your name for 6 months. But you will have to renew it every six months and each time it will cost $50. So be sure to get with your attorney and get your actual articles of incorporation filed within the first 6 months so you don't have to pay the extra fees to hold onto the name. NO NOT PAY EXTRA for expedited service...complete waste of money since you get the stuff back from the Secretary within a week or so anyway. (Just be sure to check the name availability on their website first to save yourself the drive down there in the case it's already taken.)
Posted 2 years ago #
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