Welcome to the SmallBizUS Legal Information & Resources.

Forms of Business Ownership: One of the first decisions to be made is the legal structure you choose for your business.  The most common structures are Sole Proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, C and S Corporations and Limited Liability Corporations. Each offers options that affect tax and liability issues.  Please research each thoroughly and consult an accountant and attorney prior to making your decision.
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Fictitious Business Name: This is also commonly referred to as a DBA (doing business as).  Businesses that use a name other than the owner's must register the fictitious name with the county and/or state. This does not apply to a corporation doing business under their corporate name or to those practicing any profession under a partnership name.  In many states this is handled by the Secretary of State office (check your state from the drop down list on the right).

Trademarks: Trademarks are names or symbols used in any commerce that is subject to regulation by state government or the U.S. Congress.  In many states this is handled by the Secretary of State office.  A federal trademark is handled by the U.S. Department of Commerce (see link for the US Patent and Trademark Office to the left).

Patents: A patent protects new and useful inventions.  A patent attorney is highly recommended because patent procedures are very detailed and technical.  For more information click here.

Copyrights: Copyrights protect the thoughts and ideas of authors, composers and artists.  A copyright prevents illegal copying of written matter, works of art or computer programs.  In order to ensure copyright protection, the copyright owner should always include notices on all copies of the works.  For monetary damages the copyright needs to be registered with the U.S. Library of Congress.  
For more information click here.