How do I copyright/trademark a business name when I don't have the business yet?

[gustav]

I have a career goal in mind a couple of years down the road but came up with a killer name for the business and I want to protect the name so no one takes it. Can I do this? How? BTW, I live in Florida.

[hagaleah]

You can immediately register the domain name and file an application for a federal trademark registration, claiming filing based upon an bona fide "intent to use" the mark in commerce. The application will be examined and posted for public objections, but not issued until you file a "statement of use" and a sample of the trademark on your goods or services. This gives you up to three years before you MUST use the trademark "in association with the goods or services in interstate commerce" in the USA.

[adelphos]

You trademark names and slogans.
You copyright creative works.

You cannot trademark the name until it is a valid business. Part of getting a trademark is proving that you have earned money on the name.

Trademarks are done at US Patent & Trademark Office = www.uspto.gov
Official copyrights are done at the US copyright office = www.copyright.gov
- but most people do a poorman's copyright. Research it.

[caffar]

You trademark names and slogans.
You copyright creative works.

You cannot trademark the name until it is a valid business. Part of getting a trademark is proving that you have earned money on the name.

Trademarks are done at US Patent & Trademark Office = www.uspto.gov
Official copyrights are done at the US copyright office = www.copyright.gov
- but most people do a poorman's copyright. Research it.

you could start by buying a domain name (url for example www.mybusiness.com).
also remember that you are in florida, so if you pursue any online ventures first with your business they are considered a hobby, which are tak free!!!!

[brenn15]

http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/index.jsp