quick copywrite ?

i want to start a photography business in like a year maybe two, i thought of a name i like alot which im almost positive isnt taken yet, if i dont have a business license how can i copywright the name. And then can i use the name on pics i post even tho i dont actually have a business yet, if im not selling my pics yet?

go ahead and get the biz liscense, its cheep and you'll have to anyway, and anything you buy from here on out is deductible and you can get a sales tax break.


I would register the domian name. Usually under $10 or free with some hosting plans.

can you put it on your own pics? of course, but whats the point? free advertising for a company that doesn't exist is pretty silly.

Coupla things for you:

First of all it's copyRIGHT not copywrite. A way to remember it is that it's the law that gives you the RIGHT to control copying of your images.

Second of all, you cannot copyright a business name. You can trademark a business name and you can register a business name, but you cannot copyright it. In most places (and I don't know where you are, cause it's not in your profile) you go to your county courthouse and apply for a business license and that's how you reserve the name. But it only applies to your county/city/area and not nationwide. You cannot prevent someone else from using the same business name in a different city or state unless you apply for a federal trademark on the name. And really, there's not much need for that unless you're planning to open up a national chain.

Form the business first. You don't have to be actively selling to have a business - in fact you shouldn't. Cart before the horse: form the business, then you have a venue from which to sell.

Karen

gemini6474 wrote in post #2362616
i want to start a photography business in like a year maybe two, i thought of a name i like alot which im almost positive isnt taken yet, if i dont have a business license how can i copywright the name. And then can i use the name on pics i post even tho i dont actually have a business yet, if im not selling my pics yet?

Do you want a business name or a web domain name?

If it's for a business, what you want is called a Fictitious Business Name.

If you live in the United States, go to your local County Recorder's office, which you should be able to do on line. There should be a page on the site for you to do a fictitious name search. Type in the name you want for your business and it will search for any current owners of the name. If none exist, you can apply for that name, usually for 5 years for a nominal fee, depending on the county, probably fifteen or twenty dollars.

Then you have to publish a Fictitious Business Name Statement in a newspaper. The Recorder's office will be able to tell you which papers are available for you. Another twenty dollars or so to publish. If no one comes forward to contest the name, you are good for five years from the date of publication.

An extra point. If you use your own name as part of the business name, like Jones Photography, and your name is Jones, no one can stop you from using the name. Even if there are other Jones Photography's in the same county.

If you want a domain name that is another issue entirely. It's about the same procedure as the business name, but you do it with a domain registration company.
And you already know the actual business license is an additional transaction.

Ask if you need additional help.

If you are not in the United States, forget all of the above and hopefully some else can help you.

Thanks for the adivice you guys. I want to start a business so i guess the domain name would come after that. So my best bet would be to get the business liscence, and fictitious business name now, plan my business and practice over the next year or so. I know im more into shooting people and i want to open my own studio one day, but i guess till then ill be shooting on location.
Hey Pinto, im from so cal too (Buena Park) do you know of any places that sell used photography supplies, i need to figure out a way to get a portable back drop and lighting kit cheap to practice with.

Sorry, I'm as south as you can get, in San Diego. Good luck.