How to protect name besides DBA?

[picasso]

I have a DBA but realized today that I have to file in each county otherwise someone could start using my name in another county I have not filed in. I asked the county clerks office how to proctect it in the state of TX and they said I need to contact the state. Does anyone know what I need to do? My first tought would be an incorporation but I don't want to do that yet and incur the expense. Is there any other way?

Thanks...


Paul

[hhscr]

I am not sure but the only way I know of to protect state wide is to file with the State. You can create a LLC and the costs are fairly reasonable and the bookeeping can be as simple as a schedule C.

[Steelsun]

It would be a a corp or LLC, and even that is no real protection, as close names can still be registered.

For instance, I used to work at a company named Paladin International, Inc. Texas corp. Also had the Sec State DBA for that name, and Harris County. Yet there were others still using that name in other countiies we were not physically present in, and using close names (Paladin International Investigations, Paladin International Services, etc)

[esi7esi7]

As other said, I don't think there is anything you can do to protect your name. By this I mean others can still register/use very similar names even if you incorporate. Other unincorporated businesses may still be using a similar name. You would only have the right to use ABCD Inc. but others can still use ABCD.

[Graydon]

think that a trademark gives you some protection...

http://www.uspto.gov/index.html

... and at least keep similar companies from using similar names - assuming you wanted to take legal action.

[brad]

Yes, a registered trademark will give you some protection.. we did this with my wife's side of the business.

[picasso]

Thanks for info! Brad, if you don't mind me asking. Round about how much to register the trademark???

Paul

[brad]

We used a lawyer to do it and it ran about $1000 .. but it is possible to do it on your own.