You’ll also need to pay a filing fee, which varies depending on the state where you’re forming your business. File the Articles of OrganizationĬheck your articles of organization carefully before submitting them to your state. This step must be completed before filing the articles of organization. Some states, such as Nebraska and New York, require you to publish a notice in the newspaper indicating your desire to register your LLC.

Once these steps are complete, one or more business owners or organizers will need to sign the form. Contact information for the registered agent (and in some states, the agent’s signature).The address of your principal place of business.Basic information you’ll need to provide includes: Prepare the LLC Articles of Organization FormĮach state lists its specific requirements and procedures for those trying to form an LLC. To find your state’s form, go to the same website you used for business name research. In most states, this document is called the articles of organization, but some states use a different name, such as a certificate of formation. To establish your LLC as a legal entity, you’ll file a document with the state agency that handles business filings in your state. Get a Copy of Your State’s LLC Articles of Organization Form If you are not as knowledgeable about local laws and believe you would struggle to manage this type of paperwork, acting as your own agent may not be best, even if the goal is to save money.Ĭarefully consider your options and perhaps even consult with a lawyer or professional agency before becoming your LLC’s registered agent. You must receive and handle crucial legal documents or notices as your LLC’s registered agent. If you decide to act as your LLC’s registered agent, you should know that your name and address will soon become a matter of public record. However, the availability of this option doesn’t automatically make it suitable for everyone. You can legally act as your registered agent in every state. This will come at a fee, of course pricing for registered agents may cost more than a hundred dollars per year. You can also designate a company that provides registered agent services. However, the agent must be available at an address within your state during normal business hours. Once received, the registered agent then passes on these documents to the LLC.Īnyone who is at least 18 years old can be a registered agent-and you’re allowed to name yourself or an employee. A registered agent is someone who receives official or legal documents (such as subpoenas) on behalf of the LLC. Designate a Registered AgentĮvery state requires LLCs to have a registered agent. You can review your state’s LLC naming requirements and find out if the name you want is available by visiting the website of the state agency responsible for business filings (usually the Secretary of State) and doing a name search. And you’ll probably need to include some version of “LLC” or “limited liability company” at the end of your business name.

Most states also prohibit certain words that might imply you’re in a certain business, such as insurance or banking. In general, state laws won’t allow you to choose a business name that’s already being used by another business in your state. And while it’s important to choose the right name for branding purposes, your business name must also meet state law requirements. Marketing may be at the top of your mind as you consider names for your business. Browse our state LLC formation guides for information specific to your state. Note that there are differences in laws and processes from state to state. If approved, your trademark will have nationwide protection and will prevent other businesses across the country from using a similar trademark.Use this seven-step guide to start an LLC today. You must file an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). They have the benefit of common law protection in their own home area.Ī federally registered trademark, however, extends your geographic reach of protection. But if you move the business to New York City and find that someone uses the same image in their logo, you can't force them to change it. Your trademark protection from common law works for you there, and if someone takes your logo, you can pursue them in court. Related: Attorney Confession: Those Little TM and (R) Symbols Are More Important Than I Thoughtįor example, let's say you start a business in Anaheim, California. Common law trademark protection only covers the locality in which you first started to use it. Such trademark rights prevent other businesses from using your trademark to sell goods or services - but there are limitations. The more common term used for logos and other branding materials is 'trademark.' Your logo, business name and any other identifying assets of your business may have common law trademark rights.

Do i need to put llc in my logo