tee shirt business

[busybeegirl]

What is the name of your state? California

I want to sell tee shirts with the name of my company on them. Its a one word girly sentiment. I;m doing the production myself out of m apartment and want to know if I should Inc. myself or do a sole proprietorship? I'm not planning on being a millionaire I just want to make some little girls happy and confident...and not be sued for anything. My first step was securing a domain for my web site.

 

[JETX]

I;m doing the production myself out of m apartment and want to know if I should Inc. myself or do a sole proprietorship?

Since you are starting small and presumably without considerable assets, I suggest you do so as a d/b/a.... and then if warranted, you can incorporate in the future.

 

[busybeegirl]

Thanks but wait...

I will be filing for a DBA In California (los Angeles County) asap...will this protect me legally as far as the "rights of the name of my company. Its a very sweet catchy name but it's not only a name rather a platform that gives appreciation for women who make good choices in life and are brave enough to follow thier dreams. And also if I move in the next year will I have to refile in my new city?

 

[JETX]

will this protect me legally as far as the "rights of the name of my company.

Not really. And even if it did, that 'protection' would only be for the county you register in. I suggest you investigate 'trademarking' your name in order to protect it.
http://www.uspto.gov/

And also if I move in the next year will I have to refile in my new city?

Yes. Though some states have statewide d/b/a registrations, most are only for the county where registered.

 

[Brownfieldman]

...and not be sued for anything. .

What about this? While some say that anybody can be sued for anything nowadays, if the chance to be sued may be likely, for anything from infringement to defamation or otherwise, a d/b/a does not afford any protection.

It really comes down to evaluating the risk and the costs of limiting the risk to decide what to do.

Good luck