Branding Your LLC - Marketing and Legal Issues to Remember
If you're forming an LLC in Texas, your mind is most likely racing with things to remember, ideas for the future, hope, anxiety and just a general sense of excitement that only others who have started their own business can completely understand. Assuming that you already understand the liability shield that an LLC generally provides and the fees and taxes that are involved with such a business structure, we'd like to offer you two other issues to remember as you get the process of forming your LLC started: branding/marketing your LLC and the legalities that form the foundation of this branding effort.
Branding/Marketing Your LLC in Texas
If you've decided to name your company something particular, you have a few steps to take before you simply affix the name to your newly-designed logo and begin to get the word out regarding your business to potential contacts and customers. You need to check with the Secretary of State to make sure that no other entity is using that name or one that's substantially similar, as the State of Texas will not allow such an occurrence.
You also need to make sure that your logo, or one that's substantially similar, is not in use as well, although the restrictions in this regard are not quite as tight, as there is no catch-all database for logos. As long as you can show that you exercised reasonable diligence in making sure that your logo is unique, you should be ready to go.
Finally, you also need to come up with a valid and accurate description of the services you provide, as the state will need that information to categorize your LLC properly. All you need is a general statement or description of the business in which you operate, and the state will categorize your operation accordingly.
Finally, you need to remember that when it comes to official business documents, you need to include the "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" delineation on them. This includes your letterhead, your business cards and any and all advertisements that will carry your name. Notice of your structure is a requirement that you need to follow, or you'll face unnecessary scrutiny.
Overall, there are legalities to consider when beginning the process of branding your LLC in Texas. If you'd like to gain a full understanding of all the proactive and/or preventative steps you need to take, contact the business lawyers at Slater & Kennon to schedule an initial consultation.
At any time, please feel free to ask us a question. It's FREE!