Anyway, it’s a good read.  Enjoy!

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You can call yourself a business, but until you’ve gotten an EIN  (or Tax ID number, which is the same thing) you can’t get too far.  Most banks, the IRS, even wholesalers, want this number.  It’s easy to get, so we think you should just do it.

“But, Robin, I am a sole proprietor- I can just use my social security number!” Well, yes, you could, but I think you should still consider  getting an EIN- this article explains why.

Applying for an EIN is very easy:  you can get it instantly at the irs.gov website.  Once you have the number, then you’ll be able to continue with the business registration process, but materials at wholesale prices, and get a really cool certificate you can hang in your office.

Remember- be sure to check with a tax or legal professional if you have any questions!

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The next step is to register the name.  You will be registering your business name with your state, though you will also be required to file Federal Tax Returns as well.  The process differs by state, so the best thing to do is start with this website, and follow the appropriate links to get started.

This is also a dense, but very informative, article on registering your business.  There are some links at the bottom of the article that talk about “fictitious names” or “DBAs”, URL and domain name purchase, trademarking, etc., which are also really informative.

There are many steps, and some financial burdens, to registering your business name, but in the long run, it’s worth it.   Take your time!

Remember, we are not tax or intellectual property attorneys.  If you have ANY questions regarding business structure, tax forms or registrations, PLEASE consult a legal professional.

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You might have the most awesomest, super-de-dooperist name in mind for your business, but if someone else on the planet has already used the name, you might best consider picking something else. Trust us, it can save a lot of confusion in the long run.

The best way to start is to make a list of 4 or 5 names you really like, then take an afternoon (or two) and do some serious research to see if anyone else has used any of the names.  There are many ways to do this: you can start with an internet search (www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.bing.com).  To go really old-school, you can look at the yellow pages from your area.  Hopefully, no one else has used the name.  To be fair, as long as no other business exists with your name selling exactly what you will be selling,  you can use the name.  But you might want to consider the potential confusion that might come up, particularly if you are going to sell on the internet- why take the chance?

Speaking of the internet, you will most likely want to have a website associated with your business.  You should conduct a domain name search at www.godaddy.com and see what is available- but don’t buy it yet.  Wait until you make your final decision.

Next, check to see if anyone else owns a trademark on the chosen name.  Performing a trademark search can be very confusing, and you should definitely seek the expert assistance from a trademark attorney, but a good place to start is with the United States Patent and Trademark office.  Using their TESS search engine, check see if there are any other existing trademarks or service marks.  This webpage explains the process and helps you get started.

Once you have done all of this research, one or two of the names on your list will probably emerge as the best choice.  Good for you- you have chosen the name of your business!  Now, hire an attorney to help you through the final stages of this process.  Remember, the more homework you can do ahead of time, the less your hired legal professional has to do, and the less money you have to spend.  Plus, it makes you seem really smart!

We are not legal professionals, so PLEASE, see the help of an expert!

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Go Baby is happy to announce that we have been accepted by the United Inventors Association and are now a member of the largest organization dedicated to supporting inventors.

The UIA is a non-profit whose mission is to provide reliable information to inventors, as well as Certification to groups and inventor-friendly firms who agree to comply with rigorous professional and ethical standards.

The partnership with the UIA increases Go Baby’s reach to mom inventors and furthers its goal of helping them improve their chances in the market as well as create the trust that customers look for through its seal.

”We are thrilled to be awarded the UIA Certification.  We feel that this partnership will enable us to reach many more moms who have invented terrific products, and help them gain the visibility and credibility they deserve while enabling them to receive valuable feedback through our Seal of Approval Program. We look forward to an exciting collaboration and mutual benefit through our UIA Membership.” – Robin Shane, Co-owner, Go Baby LLC

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When we formed our business and decided on the name Go Baby, we did our due diligence, thorough research and happily discovered there was no other company called Go Baby in New York State. We registered our service mark with our logo and we were also able to purchase www.gobaby.com as our url. We were set…or so we thought.

Over time, though, we discovered that there are a few other companies in the US trying to use the words “Go Baby” as part of their name, and even occasionally got emails addressed to these other companies!  This is a very complicated issue, and might be cause for concern, but since we own the trademark using the words “Go Baby,” we have some protection against other companies trying to use the name.    Also, by just being out in commerce for longer than these other companies  protects us against having someone else use our name.

We would never consider changing our company name, but when you are choosing yours, consider the advantage of picking something unique, memorable and unusual.  Think “Google,” “Xerox,” “Yahoo!”.  All of these companies are good examples of made up words that became household names and can be easily trademarked.

If you do choose a name that you later discover someone else tries to use, be sure to keep clear documentation on your usage in commerce, any confusions between your two companies (such as mistakenly addressed emails) and any other proof you think will help prove your right to use the name.  This way, you will have some protection.  However, keep the name of a good intellectual property attorney handy just in case!

Remember, this is just our experience…be sure to consult with a professional!

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LLC.  Sole Proprietorship.  Partnership.  S-Corp.  C-Corp.  It’s an alphabet soup of confusion!

What are all these things?  What do they mean?  Which fits my business best?  And do I even need to bother???

We totally hear you.  It’s very confusing, and it’s enough to make you want to give up before you even start!  Well, don’t despair.  It’s easier than you think, and though this should not be considered a replacement for consulting with a tax or legal professional, we can help you get started.

In most states, as soon as you declare yourself a business, you are considered a sole-proprietorship, no other paperwork required.  But this doesn’t protect your personal assets or personal information.  Take some time and check out these articles on other business structures before you make a decision.

This website, Brief Overview of Business Structures, while trying to drum up business, has lots of free articles which explain the business structures available pretty clearly.

The US Small Business Administration is a great, FREE, resource for new businesses.  This article, Info on Business Structures, explains the different forms a business may take and can help you decide which is the best fit for you.

And of course, the IRS website is a very dense, but very informative, website which can answer all of your tax questions.  Take your time and read through all of the information on this site: General Information for Small Businesses

We’re very proud of you…keep going!

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Choosing a name for your business can be more stressful than choosing a name for your new baby!  You want something unique, but memorable.  Something that is associated with success, honesty, integrity and quality.

While we don’t pretend to know everything, we can recommend a few websites that might be able to help out.  Remember, none of this information should replace speaking with a lawyer, accountant or other professional.

The following articles do a good job of explaining the importance of the choice of your business name, and introduce trademarks and business structure. What’s in a name? What makes a good or bad business name? What are the Legal Implications of choosing a business name?

This article from the US Government business site also talks about trademarks and business structure.

We know it’s very confusing, but with a little help, you can weed through the information and choose a great name!

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1. PishPosh Mommy CarryAll

Description: Diaper bag/purse organizer insert
Mom Inventor:Jenny Hong
www.pishposhmommy.com

2. Tee-Knees Knee Pads

Description: Kneepads for infants and toddlers
Mom Inventor:Joy Aelbers
www.tee-knees.com

3.  LuvLoo Toy Wrangler

Description: Bungees that keeps toys, pacifiers, bottles and cups with in babies reach safely!
Mom Inventor: Kristy Stafford
www.luvloo.com

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When you’re starting your own business, there is no better word than “FREE.”  No, there is no replacement for the paid advice of a lawyer or accountant, but the more research you do ahead of time, the better prepared you will be when you have your appointment.  You can save lots of  time by doing your homework, and as we all know, time is money!

There are many FREE resources available on the web for small business owners.  They have infinite amounts of information for people just like you. Our top 5 favorites are:

1) SCORE: the Service Corps of Retired Executives was founded in 1964 and since then has grown to an amazing network and resource for small businesses.  Through their website you can make appointments to see counselors in -person (for free!), get links to amazing articles, attend workshops, and so much more!  They even have a subsidiary for Women Entrepreneurs!

2) Small Business Resource: The Small Business Association of the US Government has TONS of resources online that can help you with everything from developing business plans, finding out about grants, and finding local resources.  Dense website, but worth the time to check out!

3) IRS: Yes, we love to hate the IRS, but they are the ONLY place to go for up-to-date information on taxes, EINs, resale certificates, and more.

4) Nolo: No, there is no way around using a real, live attorney when it comes to business matters, but you can do lots of stuff on your own.  Check out this website for information on business structure, sample contracts, business plans, and more!

5) Trademarks and Patents: When it comes to choosing a name for your business or product, or designing a logo, or finding out about patents, the information and advice can be very confusing.  Take some time to do research!  The TESS search on the USPTO.gov site is very useful when you’re doing preliminary research on business and product names, and the Patent site can help you with every step of the patent process.

Remember, we are not attorneys or tax professionals.  If you have ANY questions regarding business structure, tax forms or registrations, PLEASE seek the advice of a professional!

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