Once you have selected a name for your business, you will want to protect that name. The first way to do this is by reserving it with your state’s Secretary of State. (You can find out exactly where to file in your individual state here.) If you’re not yet ready to officially start the business, you can reserve the name then transfer it once you are ready.

If your name is unique, you may want to also trademark it. A state trademark may be fine if you only do business locally, but if you conduct business in multiple states (including online), you should consider a federal trademark. A state trademark application can be obtained through a state government office. Here, in Arkansas, it would be through the Secretary of State’s office. An application for the federal trademark can be obtained through the Patent and Trademark’s office.