guitrgirl

Hey guys, newbie here. I wanted to explain my position. I just want to design t-shirts for myself, for now. So with that in mind, what steps do I take in order to do this?

I'm thinking

1. Set up company through state of california website.
2. Get designs copyrighted
3. Present them to screen printer around in local area.
4. Print about 1-5(I know its going to be expensive).

Question.
Do I need to have a business in order to copyright designs?

Question.
I want to register my business name because I don't want anybody else taking my fabulous company name. Anyway, any fees I have to pay? What are some of the advantages of a corporation compared to any normal business? Which one should I choose taking in account I'm only doing this for myself until I get more people interested?

Thanks guys.

 

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Rodney

1. You don't need a company to get t-shirts printed for yourself.

2. You don't need a company name to get designs copyrighted.

3/4. A screen printer won't print 1-5 shirts with one design. That's just way too small of a run for a screen printer.

If you are just making t-shirts for yourself and you don't plan on selling them, then you might consider using one of the many print on demand services online like cafepress/printfection/zazzle/spreadshirt, etc.

Quote: what are some of the advantages of a corporation compared to any normal business?

Read this: Starting a new business in the USA? Here are things to consider LLC, Corp, Sole Prop

Quote: I want to register my business name because I don't want anybody else taking my fabulous company name. Anyway, any fees I have to pay?

Registering yourself as a business won't stop anybody from using your company name. To do that you would need to register a federal trademark.

That still wouldn't stop anybody from using it. But if you found someone using it, a trademark will give you the legal backing to take them to court to get them to stop using it.

Fees for registering your business will vary from city to city in California. Contact your local chamber of commerce and ask them what you need to register a business and they should be able to break it all down for you.

Also search the forums for california or seller's permit or various business types and you'll find lots of your questions answered

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guitrgirl

Thanks for the advice.

 

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