Legal Question in Business Law in California

Re: subject

Unfortunately, I need more info re second question. Regarding your first question, I can help and our firm does handle quite a few administrative matters as this appears to be. Call me if you wish to discuss. Don Holben

Re: subject

1. Call your local bar association's lawyer referral service, tell them what your issues are, and pay a fee. They will give you the names of attorneys that you can contact.

2. The answer to this question depends on what form of business you will be operating. You can file a request with the California Department to see if the name you want to use has been incorporated. They will not tell you whether a name is available over the telephone.

Alternatively, you can run a records check on-line with the Department of Corporations to see if a business exists using the name you choose.

You cannot "copyright" a business name. Copyright refers to the process of protecting ideas that can be "affixed" to some media. An example of material that can be copyrighted is a book. You can, however, register a "tradename." To do that you must record a form with the Riverside County Recorder's office. The cost is approximately $10.00. You can obtain the form you need from most stationary stores, or you can pay an attorney to file it for you.