Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Massachusetts
professional name
I am a working artist, and I prefer to keep my day-job work seperate from my personal work by using a pseudonym. I have considered using the pseudonym for a freelance business. I don't want to change my name, I want to be able to use whichever name suits my purpose depending on the occasion. How would I proceed?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: professional name
It has long been established that one has the right to choose one's name. You are free to use your chosen name right now. You may obtain additional use protections from copyrighting/trademarking a stylalized name, or even seeking fictitious business name protection. Of course you also have the right to petition the court for a legal change of name.
Re: professional name
In MA, you need only go to your local town clerk to register a fictitious name. Even this is not really necessary as your purpose is simply to adopt a creative pseudonym -- you can just do it and worry about any trademark formalities later (hoping for success that warrants it). Best wishes,
LDWG
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