In contrast, if you do not register a trademark with the USPTO, you may find it difficult to enforce your rights.
Etsy sellers often come up with unique names for their shops. Even if you don’t have to be licensed, you may still need to register a Doing Business As (DBA) with your state or locality.
Copyright protection for works in the United States begins at creation. Copyright does not apply to your work.
By receiving a federal trademark registration, you will be in a better position to defend yourself against others who claim you are using their name.
That means you can protect your store, product names, logo, and slogans. By receiving a federal trademark registration, you may be able to keep your store name unique by blocking others from using it.
As long as you’re not operating a legitimate business and aren’t making profits, you don’t have to worry about getting a business license. In other words, hobbyists, crafters, and other casual Etsy users comprise most of their sellers.
Your Etsy store name can’t be longer than 20 characters. Select an Etsy store name based on niche.
We’re right here to step in. Larger Pottery Stamp Make Your Mark My Etsy.
Once you have a strong, protectable mark, register it to obtain a trademark providing government recognition allowing you to more easily enforce rights. Registration of an Etsy store name can be tricky.
If they don’t respond, report their brand to Etsy closing their page. You need the registered trademark first.
So get your trademark and send a cease and desist letter.
Once you have a strong, protectable Etsy store name, register it with the USPTO giving you legal protection and benefits over just using it. To register your trademark, file through TEAS. Provide your name, address, store name, product description, specimen, and fee.
It’s logical to register your work keeping that defense less expensive with a reference for your ownership claim. Okay, that legal stuff is important!
Do I need to register my Etsy business name? Most Etsy sellers offer unique names to make their shops stand out. You may need to register a Doing Business As (DBA) with your state or locality.
To get paid on Etsy, connect your bank account so you can receive payments. You’ll also need to add a card to pay your Etsy bills. From the How you’ll get paid page, fill out your personal information.
While some don’t require a license, this permit allows you to trade under a different name stopping competitors from using your name. You can accept checks written to your DBA name.
If you plan on running your Etsy shop as a sole proprietorship, you’ll still need to register your name if it’s different from your real name. You can do so by filing a DBA.
Whether you need a license depends if you treat your shop as a business or hobby. If you dedicate time regularly for income or profit, your shop qualifies as a business. An original name is key. Etsy doesn’t allow copycat names unless altered to be original. Choosing an unoriginal name can be detrimental.
You don’t need an EIN to sell reporting taxes on returns. However, if your business is a corporate entity or LLC, you’ll need one.
What are the rules for Etsy shop names? Etsy shop names can be up to 20 characters long and cannot contain spaces. An ideal name accurately describes your products while being creative, original, and memorable. Check availability both within and outside of Etsy. Get feedback from friends before finalizing your name.
A descriptive name relating to your products helps customers immediately identify what you sell. For example, if selling handmade jewelry, include “jewelry” in the name. A memorable name leaves an impression, generating more sales. On the other hand, a confusing name deters customers.
With increasing sellers, standing out is crucial. A balanced name should be unique, creative, descriptive, and capture your brand essence. It should also be short, simple, and available to use online.
When choosing your name, first ensure it meets Etsy’s rules. Then check availability on Etsy, Google, and social media. Search your name plus “Etsy” to find similar shops. Discuss ideas with friends and family.
Once you’ve finalized your shop name, you can personalize your online store further. Add your logo, banner, profile picture, and more to convey your brand identity. A thoughtfully crafted name paired with strong visual branding attracts more customers.