Legal Question in Business Law in Maryland

My husband and I want to use a specific name (e.g., Givers) for giving money to charitable organizations; we will not accept or solicit donations. Do I need to get the name registered or trademarked?

There are two reasons we want to donate under a name such as above, 1) we want to donate under a name who address is a P.O. Box so we are not unindated with requests for donations, but if we do get any they won't come to our home address, and 2) we don't want others to use that name and pose as us under it.


Asked on 9/29/10, 12:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
RAYMOND CARIGNAN Raymond Carignan, Esq, LLC

YOu could have an attorney donate it for you.

He or she would never be permitted to release your name and address.

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Answered on 10/04/10, 12:19 pm
Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

Sure, you can register a trade name without creating a separate legal entity. Trademarking would likely be excessive for the purpose you describe unless you are talking about something national in scope. In Maryland, one can register trade names with the State which are good for 5 years.

While the above attorney's post raises a possible solution the law has decided that a clients identity may be discoverable so I would hesitate to say an attorney would "never" be permitted to release your name.

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Answered on 10/05/10, 6:49 am


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