The best time to conduct a trademark search is before you form your LLC and start selling any goods and services. A name that is accepted by the Secretary of State (where you form your LLC), does not mean that the name has not been registered in the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Also, the acceptance of a name for a LLC does not mean that there are no confusingly similar brands names registered with the United States Patent & Trademark Office.
Once you have conducted a trademark search and see that it's highly likely that your mark will be accepted by the USPTO, then you can form your LLC. Once the LLC is formed, applying for a federal trademark is the next step. Not doing a trademark search before forming your LLC can result in you having to rebrand or pay a lot of money for a co-existence agreement. Also, if you are a Cannabis or Hemp entrepreneur getting a trademark helps to federally protect your brand.
If you would like to learn more about the importance of a trademark, visit www.belleterrelaw.com/trademarks. Also, click the button below to download your FREE guide on how to make money with your trademark.