I’m a creative director running a sole proprietorship. I registered my business name as a DBA in Texas while I lived there to get an EIN so I could hire freelance designers when needed. That was a few years ago.
Now I’m wondering, is my business name protected if a creative agency decides to use my business name? I know having it as an LLC would protect it within my industry. Are there other options, or does my texas DBA suffice?
It likely depends on the nature of your business name. If it is fairly unique, you could seek trademark protection. If it is not unique, it may be difficult to secure a trademark for the name.
My recommendation would be to speak with a business law attorney that also handles trademark applications.
Trademark/service mark if it’s unique. If it has your name in it or something like that, you probably won’t be able to trademark it.