Trademarking my business when I'd like to start multiple companies

[crystalnwilson1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas
Hello!

I currently own a pest control company, that is not trademarked. The name is Your Neighborhood Pest Control. In the spring I will be starting a lawn care company, which I plan to call Your Neighborhood Lawn Care or Lawn Services. My ultimate goal is to own multiple home service companies that will all start with Your Neighborhood. I simply have no idea what I'd do about trademarking it, especially since for each trademark I have to classify the business. Would each individual company need to be trademark registered?

Thanks for any information!

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas
Hello!

I currently own a pest control company, that is not trademarked. The name is Your Neighborhood Pest Control. In the spring I will be starting a lawn care company, which I plan to call Your Neighborhood Lawn Care or Lawn Services. My ultimate goal is to own multiple home service companies that will all start with Your Neighborhood. I simply have no idea what I'd do about trademarking it, especially since for each trademark I have to classify the business. Would each individual company need to be trademark registered?

Thanks for any information!

You gain trademark rights by using the trademark as an identifier for your business goods or services. If no other business is using the name "Your Neighborhood Pest Control," or if you are the first user of that name, you are considered the owner of that trademark. No one else can start a "Your Neighborhood Pest Control" business in your area without infringing on your trademark rights.

The purpose of trademarks is to distinguish one company's products or services from those of all others, so consumers are aware of the source or origin of the products/services offered.

Federal registration of the mark is not necessary to have rights in the name.

You might want to consider registering the "Your Neighborhood" name with your state as your business name and have your additional businesses operating under this business "umbrella" as DBAs. For advice on setting up your business structure in a way that best meets your (tax, financial, business) wants and needs, you would be smart to sit down for a personal review with a business law professional in your area.

Good luck.