Legal Considerations for Personal Company Name / Branding?

Question

Hello BiggerPockets Community! Looking for input around - is there anything legally required to create a new company name and logo that I can use on a personal website, put onto a business card, email address, etc.? Example - if I wanted to reference my solo real estate investment company as "Limitless Properties" that would be my company name, associated email address, website, etc. Are there any legal implications or registration that is needed to make that official (ignoring the need to purchase the website domain, securing the email address)?

As I start out on my real estate investing journey here, I do not think it makes sense to immediately jump into creating an LLC, at least the first couple of years. However, I would like to have some personal branding and start to build name recognition.

Appreciate any insights and considerations around this!

-Alex

Randall Wagenleitner · Answer

Sounds like a plan. You'd just need to file a fictitious business name statement and operate as a "DBA". It is a pretty easy process. Assume it varies somewhat by state, but took me a trip to the county recorders office and $35 in California. Oh, and you have to advertise it in a print publication. Kinda weird hold over from earlier days I guess. www.sba.gov has a good how to resource.

Two pieces of advice, make sure you choose a name that is not too similar to anyone else's. They can sue you and claim you are confusing their clients/customers. Even if their claim is bogus it could cost you legal fees. 2nd, register the domain name first. Or at least on the same day.

Best

Alex Persha · Answer

Thanks Randall! These are the exact details I need. It seems pretty straight forward as long as I'm following the steps outlined by the state government / reference to the SBA site as well. Agreed with the advice you've shared. Much appreciated.

Legal Considerations for Personal Company Name / Branding?

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