There are a number of ways to set up a business, each with its own benefits and requirements. Common types of business ownership include: Corporation, Partnership, Cooperatives, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Sole Proprietorship.
New business owners will need to register their business with their county or state government. Depending on the business structure, entrepreneurs may need to complete a Doing Business As (DBA) name form, also known as "Trading As" name form, which allows a business owner to file a company under a name different from the owners. To determine if a business has already been registered with the same or similar name use a state's business entity search. Businesses also usually need an Employer ID Number (EIN) when filing taxes. An EIN can be obtained freely online through the IRS website.
In the course of doing business, entrepreneurs might find the need to protect their intellectual property by registering for a copyright, a patent, or a trademark, each of which serve different purposes. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
