Stout wrote:pimpdawg156 wrote:alright i got my name trademarked ARISTO ENTERTAINMENT. well actually service marked same thing because im providing beats. anyways now i got that done does that mean i have my own entertainemnt label now like star trek enterainment(neptunes) or do i have to get a business license now. someone fill me in NO HOMO and let me kno . aight 1
Not yet homie... you only have the rights to the name right now. You need to do a lil' more paperwork first. Talk with a lawyer about your plans and he can advise as to whether you should incorporate (Inc.), go with a limited liability company (LLC), or sole proprietorship. If you go sole proprietor you can set up a dba business account at your local bank easier. Example: John Doe dba (Doing Business As) XYZ Entertainment, Inc. (or LLC, or what have you). If you choose to incorporate you have to choose under which state's laws to incorporate (again, your lawyer will explain this). Then you get yourself listed with your local Chamber of Commerce. If you plan on going with a fully legitimate business, consult your attorney and read up on how to properly start and develop your business.
Do what they said and MAKE sure you register your business with your local state and apply for a business license within the state, its like 13 or 15$ I would guess depends on state. Then you need to setup a business checking account and sign ALL checks as Your Name, LLC Owner CEO or whatever, never never sign your name exclusively when accepting payments and always pay yourself and BUY all merchandise thru this account this will ensure you can show losses....
Trademark - Protects you nationally
Local/State - Protects you at the state level.
You need to do both to ensure your business name... The state will do an exhaustive search and make sure no one is using that name and then when a person tries they can't, you did the HARD part most $$$ 1 which is the Trademark.. Good Luck and good Move on the Trademark!
