What's The Cheapest Way to Register a Company and Trademark

mspoppins

Hi,

I've got this big idea (ain't we all) and I'm thinking about the ways to protect my would-be trademark.

Is there a way to register a dormant company and then register a trademark. Because I believe that's the right sequence for the trademark application to be successful. At least it is so, if I also want to register the trademark in the USA.

What is the cheapest way to do this? Are there any hidden dangers?

The thing is that I'm committed but I don't see doing this business actively for the next 6 months or so (shall we say for personal reasons). I want to protect myself from a situation when I wake up 6 months on and somebody has already grabbed my name.

Thanks.

steve1980

You can create a limited company but there is nothing to stop someone adding something on the end.

For example:

You register - Big Idea LTD

Someone can register Big Idea 2 LTD.

Horace

https://www.ipo.gov.uk has the information you need re trademarks and where they can be registered. To use a trademark attorney is £600 upwards but cheaper through the ipo but you would need to know which category your trademark will be in. It could be that the name that you want to trademark is not trademarkable.

InsideInsurance

Registering the business is about £35 online, lots of companies offer it as an online service.

The trademarks are more complex as it will depend if there are any challenges etc. Speak to an IPO solicitor for advise as its a fairly specialist area but this does mean it has specialist costs.

mspoppins

Thank you all for responses.

steve1980 wrote: »

there is nothing to stop someone adding something on the end.

For example:

You register - Big Idea LTD

Someone can register Big Idea 2 LTD.

With all due respect, is it really so? Then can I go and register McDonalds 2 LTD?

Horace wrote: »

To use a trademark attorney is £600 upwards but cheaper through the ipo but you would need to know which category your trademark will be in.

I know exactly which "NICE-class" my business falls into, so I wouldn't probably use an attorney. Besides, £600 :eek:
What puzzles me is that somebody told me I should register a company first in order to be able to register a trademark - then I could prove that I'm somehow using that name. Dunno if it's true or not.

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Registering the business is about £35 online, lots of companies offer it as an online service.

Well, I found one place that does it for £16 and it instantly triggers an alarm bell in my head. Why would anyone register companies for £16 - £35 unless thay're tricksters? I apologise if I've insulted some of the "tricksters"

Maybe someone knows - if I register a dormant LTD company, does that affect my taxes in any way? I'm currently both sole trader and also employed.

And the most important question - is there such a thing as a dormant company at all?

steve1980

As you've knocked all the advice given you obviously know everything already.

Snakeeyes21

mspoppins wrote: »

Well, I found one place that does it for £16 and it instantly triggers an alarm bell in my head. Why would anyone register companies for £16 - £35 unless thay're tricksters? I apologise if I've insulted some of the "tricksters"

Maybe someone knows - if I register a dormant LTD company, does that affect my taxes in any way? I'm currently both sole trader and also employed.

And the most important question - is there such a thing as a dormant company at all?

Cheap ones are fine.. if you are willing to let them refer you to get a business bank account then you can get your formation for free from www.thecompanywarehouse.co.uk and a few others.. I done one with the company warehouse at the beginning of the month,on the 2nd to be exact submitted my details and payment at 10am and it was all done and dusted at 1pm..

You cant register a dormant company, you register a company then notify hmrc of your intention of staying dormant by filling in the relevant forms they send you, you dont have to notify companies house that you are dormant, when you do your annual return and accounts this is when you can tell them you havent traded.

Even though you are planning on keeping the company dormant you still have a few legal obligations as a director for submitting forms and accounts to the relevant bodies.

Just registering a company wont effect your taxes in any way. even of you traded it wouldnt affect your personal taxes unless you paid yourself a wage from the company or were taking dividends.

And the last question there isnt really such a thing as a dormant company, its just a term used when a company hasnt made any purchases / sales etc, all companies are active and have to file reports, accounts etc so being dormant doesnt just mean you can put it on the back burner and just forget about it

But to be honest before setting something like this up you should get advice from an accountant,.. judging by your questions you havent really thought it through or done any research in to what is expected of you as a company director

mspoppins

steve1980 wrote: »

As you've knocked all the advice given you obviously know everything already.

Oh, ah, sorry!! I didn't know I had to agree with everything that I'm told. I mistook this website for a forum, which is designed to discuss and challenge other people's opinion. Sorry, sorry, naughty me! I had to check terms and conditions. Next time my thread gets answered I'll just try to be polite and say "Yes Sir" or "Yes Madam" depending on the gender of the respondent.

Snakeeyes21 wrote: »

Cheap ones are fine.. if you are willing to let them refer you to get a business bank account
...
judging by your questions you havent really thought it through or done any research in to what is expected of you as a company director

Great bit of advice. I guess I'm just worrying too much. You're right about me not having thought about it enough. I've got lots to read and ponder on

Horace

OP it cost me £16 to register my company and I know that I am not a trickster, yes, I was referred to Barclays no less for a bank account but when Barclays called me I declined their offer because I already have free banking. I used the company recommended to me by my accountant.