On Fri, Sep 20, 2002 at 01:39:00PM -0400, Erik Price wrote:
Hi,
This question isn't really related to Linux or Unix specifically, but
I'll ask anyway since I know there are some experienced developers on
this list.
I am writing a small chunk of software (in Java) that I intend to
release on Freshmeat when I have a beta. I don't have a company name
registered in whatever organization keeps track of company names, but
I'd like to use one (even though it's just me hacking in my spare time,
not-for-profit). This is especially significant given that I would use
the name in the software package name, eg
com.MyCompany.MyApplicationPackage. However, the name that I want to
use was taken by another company about 7 years ago, but I am fairly
certain it longer exists -- there are only 19 hits on Google in
reference to the name, and of those, only a few actually related to the
company. They do not have a web site, nor can I find any contact
information about them. A Wired article indicates that this company
was based out of someone's apartment in New York, whereas I live in
Mass.
I'm wondering if it's legal to just appropriate the name for my own
use. I'd guess not, but then I wonder how many diners out there are
named Classic Diner or what have you. Furthermore, I have the domain
name already. What are the (legal) steps to take so that you can put
Copyright 2002 My Company on your software?
I'll Second Ray's advice about filing as a DBA. You can even have duplicate
company names within the same state as long as they can be distinguished by
a town name.
One option that is slightly better than a DBA but much cheaper than a
corporation is a LLC. Limited Liability Corporation can shelter
your personal property
from any liabilities created by your business. Being a DBA sole
proprietor makes all your personal property vulnerable to liabilities
created by your business.
--
Jeff Kinz, Director, Emergent Research, Hudson, MA. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED] copyright 2002. Use is restricted. Any use is an
acceptance of the offer at http://users.rcn.com/jkinz/policy.html.
(¬_-o)
//\ eLviintuaxbilse/\\
V_/_ _\_V
___
gnhlug-discuss mailing list
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss
