Business name

[littlewhittles]

I was just wondering. . . are there domain rules with regard to giving one's business a name even if one is not a professional carver?

I've been asked to participate in a small crafter's fair in which there will be flyers circulated in a small rural community. My sister tacked a name onto my little carvings a few years ago and within the family the name has stuck. I would like to use that name on the flyer (instead of calling them 'Carvings by So and So'.) and didn't want to break any rules. I've also googled the name and there's nothing else out there that's even close.

Thank you for your input.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have never heard of any rules about naming a woodcarving business as long as you don't use one that has been copyrighted. This apparently also includes internet "domain" names. Someone else can grab it if you don't do whatever it takes to "own" it.

[Mitchell]

You should be fine.

If you started making gobs of $ off of a name that someone else has already been using, then you may have a problem. Also, IF someone does come forward and can demonstrate that they've had that name already, you MAY need to stop using it so be prepared mentally.

Another "IF" - should you decide to keep a business with that name, you may want to "protect" it for yourself so no one else can start using it.

[brian-bailey]

Here's a little more to chew on.

You might want to check into the legalities a little further before you start using a business name other than your own name.

I can't speak for other areas, but here in New York if you are using an assumed name you need to file a DBA ( doing business under an assumed name ) form with your county clerk. There is a fee of course.

Also, you will probably need to file for a sales tax number with your state. Most shows here require a tax number before they'll rent you a table.

Brian...

[Claude]

It depends, probably, on what state you live in, but some states/counties require you to register a "fictitious business name" unless your last name is part of the business name. Often you can see the announcements in the classified section of the newspaper. "john Smith, DBA 'Cute Woodcarviings'" (DBA is "doing business as")

Claude

[Keoma]

I would say no. I just started calling myself by my name...it looked good on Business cards and flyers and I thought it was super clever...so I used it.
The only time your name gets into rules and such is when you have a business licsence. Then the name you use is the name yer stuck with...taxes and yada yada yada...otherwise pick your name and use it! what is it anyway?
Brian is right though. A lot of places will not work with you unless you have a business and its all legal. But you can go down to the office and get one lickety split.