Did you know that registering your business name with the state does not give you nationwide protection? Many business owners assume that once their LLC or DBA is approved, their brand is fully secure. Unfortunately, that’s not the case—and it can lead to costly legal problems later.

Here’s the key difference:

Business Name Registration ensures compliance at the state level but does not prevent others from using your name in other states.

Federal Trademark Registration gives you exclusive nationwide rights, protects your brand online, and allows you to take legal action against infringers.

Without a trademark, you risk forced rebranding, legal fees, and the loss of hard-earned recognition. The U.S. operates on a first-to-file basis, which means waiting too long to protect your name could cost you everything.

At Adams Law Office in Berkeley, we guide business owners through the trademark process—from clearance searches to filing and monitoring—so your brand is secure from day one.

✅ Protect your business nationwide

✅ Avoid expensive rebranding

✅ Build long-term brand value Registering your business name is only the first step.

To truly safeguard your brand, a federal trademark is essential.

Read the full blog on our website to learn more about the difference between business name registration and trademark protection.