Do I need to trademark a name for a small artsand crafts business in order to put an ad in a local town newspaper?

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Do I need to trademark a name for a small artsand crafts business in order to put an ad in a local town newspaper?

Do I need a tax ID number even if I do not charge tax?

Asked on October 20, 2011 under Business Law, Connecticut

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

1) There is no obligation to trademark a name--its something that is for your own benefit or advantage, so you can choose to not do it.

2) You do need to make sure that your chosen business name does not infringe anyone else's trademark. An intellectual property attorney can do a proper search for you  (and also trademark your name, if appropriate), but if you don't want to do that, at a minimum do some internet (e.g. "google") searches and see what comes up for that name.

3) If you set up a corporation or LLC, you will get a tax ID number. If you are sole proprietorship, you will use your own social security number as a business tax ID number.

4) Check the laws in your state for arts and crafts business--the law will tell you if you have to charge tax or not.


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