If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you might decide to start a brand-new business. And there’s almost no more important aspect of a Massachusetts business than its name. While it might seem like a formality, registering a name for your new company is more important than you think.
Registering your new business in Massachusetts
After coming up with your company’s new name, you’ll need to register your new company. Massachusetts residents complete this step by registering this new venture with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
It’s also worth noting that registering and trademarking a business name aren’t the same things. After registering your company’s name, trademarking is a separate process involving its own paperwork and expenses. Instead of trademarking your business at a state level, you’ll do it through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Choosing a business entity
Another pivotal step in the company formation process involves choosing a business entity. Creating and registering a business won’t register it as an entity, which is a separate process. Instead, an entity is typically either a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation.
The dangers of operating an unregistered company
Not registering your business means taking on the risk of another person registering your company’s name. If this happens, you’ll legally have to select a new business name. Making matters worse, this same party could also have the right to potentially sue you for using their now-registered business name.
Choosing a business name is one of the first steps toward owning a successful company. Don’t worry if you can’t decide on the perfect company name – you can always choose a different one in the future.
