[CLOTHING LINE] Requirements for starting your own BRAND?
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This section of the forum is for discussing the business and finance issues of the t-shirt industry. Which business structure to use (sole proprietor, LLC, S Corp, etc), how to handle billing, where to register your business and get the proper licensing, etc.
[CLOTHING LINE] Requirements for starting your own BRAND?
My basic question is, what are the requirements for starting your own brand? Is filing a FBN/DBA all it takes? Does that even have anything to do with a "brand"? I'm sure it's not just a matter of picking out a random name, and then printing your own labels with the name on shirts... there has to be more to it, legal aspects. I just want to make sure I go about things the right way. I would appreciate any help with this.
I have read soooo many post on this GREAT forum, so many of you have helped me already so much and you don't even know it. I thank each and every one of you!
Requirements for starting a brand? Besides registering as a business and obtaining all your documents and licenses to sell apparel, there are really no other requirements for starting a brand.
You might want to look into trademarking your name, but that is not required and is a long and lengthy process which has been hit on many times before in this forum.
If you're going to invest the time and money it takes to "brand" something, then you need to invest the money into a trademark. Make sure you also get the domain name (in .com form). But, as Bades said, this is not a a requirement.
Requirements for starting a brand? Besides registering as a business and obtaining all your documents and licenses to sell apparel, there are really no other requirements for starting a brand.
You might want to look into trademarking your name, but that is not required and is a long and lengthy process which has been hit on many times before in this forum.
So I could just basically make up a name i want to use, was thinking of getting plastisol gang sheets made with the labels, and then pressing them on tagless shirts. I was going to get someone to design a logo for me of the name... so doing this really has nothing to do with a fictitious business name or doing business as? That's what I was confused about..
If you're going to invest the time and money it takes to "brand" something, then you need to invest the money into a trademark. Make sure you also get the domain name (in .com form). But, as Bades said, this is not a a requirement.
Registering the domain name was a very good suggestion, and I just did . Thanks for that.
so doing this really has nothing to do with a fictitious business name or doing business as? That's what I was confused about..
There are two things happening here...
First, you need to create a business. You can name it whatever you want. It can be either a Corporation, LLC or DBA. All have their pros and cons, so figure out which is best for you. This makes you legally and financially legitimate in the government's eyes. This company will be responsible to file tax returns, pay sales tax, etc. You should probably open a business bank account too.
Second, you need to create a brand. This is the name that you will use to communicate to your market. It will be featured on your label, hangtag, website and any other marketing, advertising, merchandising or products associated with your company.
The names of the company and brand can be the same or they can be completely different. That is up to you. But to clarify, the company name is how you will be known by the government, vendors, anyone who you deal with from a legal or financially perspective. Your brand name is how you will be known by your market, clients and consumers.
I know it may seem intimidating, but it's really not.
I would look up your local SBDC(small business development center) and schedule an appointment with them, it's free so do it!. I did and we filled out the LLC form, EIN number, and vendor's license together and it was very helpful. They'll help you along the way and make sure you have everything you need to start your business.
After all those forms are completed and filed with your State (took about 2 weeks to get back LLC), you can take those to the bank and get your business account setup.
Requirements for starting your own BRAND? 
. Thanks for that.
