Naming Trademark Info

[Chuckster]

I have a question about trademark info, I'm hoping someone can give me some input. Here's my question:

I've been building rods for nearly a decade now, and I'm thinking about finally establishing a company name for my little side project. Now, I certainly don't plan to give Orvis or Sage a run for their money, but I would like to secure a company name for my rods so I can have some custom decals made. Having an established company name is also useful when buying from certain suppliers because of the tax ID number.

Has anyone out there done this already, and if so can you give me some info/tips?

I'd appreciate it!

Thanks in advance...

[lemaymiami]

Here's a few things to consider before you worry about a trademark. First things first, do you have a business license? Remember that if the business is engaged in manufacturing (that's how rodbuilding is classified here in Florida) then you'll probably have restrictions on where your business can be situated, and there'll be requirements about waste disposal, etc. With a business license (your business name may or may not correspond to your product's name) you then will be able to obtain a tax certificate that will allow you to purchase at wholesale, but will also require you to collect and send in sales taxes. Now for the part that most aren't aware of. If you're manufacturing sportfishing gear you'll be required to pay federal excise tax (10%) on the value of the goods you produce at the first sale. I'm on a quarterly reporting basis as a commercial tyer (I gave up rodbuilding some years ago, except repairs for former customers). It's small change but I've had friends who got in trouble (big fines) for trying to avoid paying excise taxes...

These are just a few of the things you might want to think about. It's probably a good idea to consult an attorney as well before you get serious about turning a hobby into something a bit more complicated. Hope this helps, let me know how you make out.